Manchester United are reportedly ready to sell Anthony Martial in January, but the club's valuation could make a move tricky, even though he's open to joining another Premier League club.
Martial has been at United since 2015 and has, at times, been a fan favourite at Old Trafford but his star is certainly on the wane for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's team.
Advert
The introductions of Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho this summer, with the continued emergence of Mason Greenwood, means that the French forward has fallen down the pecking order.
Even the absence of Marcus Rashford has seen only one start for Martial so far this season, and that came in the 1-1 draw with Southampton where he was subbed off.
According to reports, the 25-year-old is available for transfer in January, with the club willing to sell, and he is open to a move to another club in England's top tier.
However, Eurosport claim that United want around £40 million in order for him to leave, and the player is 'worried' that could prove a sticking point.
Clubs, especially those in Europe, continue to be affected by the implications of playing last season behind closed doors due to Covid 19 and transfer deals were tough to make in the summer, except the very richest clubs.
Advert
Atletico Madrid did hold an interest in the former Monaco forward but that was before they re-signed Antoine Griezmann on transfer deadline day.
As well as a high asking price, Martial's chances of moving from the north west are impacted by his wages, with the striker taking home a reported £250,000-a-week.
Martial re-established himself as a consistent goal threat at the end of the 2019/20 season, when he scored 17 league goals in 32 appearances.
However last season, with the signing of Edinson Cavani putting his place in the team under pressure, the striker was only on target seven times in all competitions in 36 appearances.
The player would prefer to stay at Old Trafford but will look to move on if his chances to impress and play remain in short supply, especially once Rashford is back fit.
Advert
He will then have to hope that clubs have recovered enough for someone to make a move for him. The club are likely to prefer he moves outside of the Premier League but may allow him to move to another English club if it's their only option.
At one point he was a favourite of co-owner Joel Glazer but in the summer it was reported that the American was now open to the player leaving.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Football, Manchester United, Anthony Martial, Premier League