West Ham are reportedly in the market for Manchester United attackers Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford and are looking to sign either of the two on loan in January.

According to Matt Law of the Telegraph, West Ham’s desperate hunt to find a quality striker in January has seen them turn their attentions to the Manchester United duo of Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford. The Hammers are looking to sign one of the strikers on loan until the end of the 2016/17 season.

After having an exceptional breakout season in 2015/16, Martial has been considered an anomaly in a ticking Manchester United outfit this term. The dynamic Frenchman has often seen his spot on the left wing being donned by Marcus Rashford and Wayne Rooney.

Despite his performances improving in recent weeks, Martial is still to convince Jose Mourinho as to his credentials as a first-team regular at United. Given the plethora of options the Portuguese has on the left flank, Mourinho has restricted the Frenchman to only seven league starts this campaign.

HULL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 27: Marcus Rashford of Manchester United (C) celebrates scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Hull City and Manchester United at KCOM Stadium on August 27, 2016 in Hull, England. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
HULL, ENGLAND – AUGUST 27: Marcus Rashford of Manchester United (C) celebrates scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Hull City and Manchester United at KCOM Stadium on August 27, 2016 in Hull, England. (Photo Courtesy: Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)

The same, however, cannot be said about Marcus Rashford. At the start of the season, many wondered whether the attacking prodigy would be an ideal fit for Mourinho. Those doubts were soon put to bed as the Englishman came off the bench to score a dramatic ‘Fergie Time’ winner against Hull City.

The 19-year-old has featured in all but one of United’s league matches this season seems to be integral to the manager’s plans. Thus, the Hammers’ attempts to sign Rashford on a loan may prove to be futile.

Even in the case of Martial, it is unlikely that Mourinho will tinker too much with his squad in January. Memphis Depay is all but set to walk through the door in January, giving the manager one less option on the left wing. Also, Martial’s ability to play centrally as well as on the opposite flanks will give the manager a decent makeshift option.

West Ham have been linked to second and third choice strikers at clubs, and have thus, made an enquiry about the Manchester United duo. Chelsea forward Michy Batshuayi and Liverpool’s Daniel Sturridge are among the front-runners to join the Hammers while Simone Zaza is likely to return to Juventus after an unsuccessful stint at the Olympic Stadium.

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