Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly considering a January swoop for French international Anthony Martial, with Manchester United open to a sale.
According to a report from the Express, Manchester United’s decision to offload Anthony Martial has put Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur on high alert, who are now considering making a swoop for his signing in January.
Martial signed for Manchester United in the summer of 2015 from AS Monaco, arriving as one of the most highly-rated teenagers in the world. But, after a fine debut season, the 25-year-old has never quite been able to live up to the initial hype. There were glimpses of him recapturing his best form in the 2019/20 term, but that proved to be a false dawn.
Martial managed just seven goals in the last season before an injury cut his campaign short. Now back to full fitness, the French international has been struggling for game-time, with Manchester United having added Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho to their ranks. And when given an opportunity, he has struggled to make the best impact, as was seen in the defeat to West Ham in the Carabao Cup.
Given his current situation at the club and his misfiring form, Manchester United are now said to be open to the prospect of cashing in on Martial in January or at the end of the season, despite Ole Gunnar Solskjaer giving him his backing. Now, Tottenham Hotspur have shown an interest in securing his signing when the winter transfer window opens.
Tottenham had been linked with a move for the former AS Monaco starlet back during the summer as well, but no move materialised. However, it seems like the Lilywhites have continued to keep tabs on the 25-year-old with a move in the January window is being mulled over.
While Harry Kane ended up staying put after a summer filled with speculations, the England captain’s form has been a cause of concern early in the season. Moreover, Tottenham have little in the way of a natural backup for the 28-year-old, with manager Nuno Espirito Santo having had to use Son Heung-min as a centre-forward when Kane has not been available.
That is something the north London giants need to address at the earliest. A move for Dusan Vlahovic is being mooted again for 2022, but Martial, who is being valued at £40 million, would be a cheaper alternative and one with a great degree of Premier League experience. It, however, remains to be seen if Manchester United would be open to trading him to a direct rival.
