Football
Rob Dawson, Correspondent 6y

Anthony Martial's Man United future: Jose Mourinho, Ed Woodward set for talks - sources

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Jose Mourinho and Ed Woodward are set for talks about Anthony Martial's Manchester United future, sources have told ESPN FC.

Mourinho does not want to keep a player who does not want to be at the club, but United's executive vice-chairman Woodward is reluctant to sell, sources said 

In June, Martial's agent Philippe Lamboley claimed the Frenchman had decided to seek a transfer.

Sources said the player has become frustrated by a lack of playing time following Alexis Sanchez's arrival from Arsenal in January and because negotiations over a new contract have stalled.

Bayern Munich, Juventus and Chelsea are among the clubs interested but United will not consider selling to a Premier League rival.

While Mourinho is open to selling Martial, who scored 11 goals in 45 games last season, there are concerns among club chiefs that it could come back to haunt them if the 22-year-old goes on to fulfil his undoubted potential elsewhere.

Martial has one year left on his contract and United also hold an option to extend his deal by an additional 12 months, effectively tying him down until 2020.

Mourinho sees Martial's disquiet as an opportunity to bring in another winger, sources said. He is interested in Inter Milan's Ivan Perisic and Willian at Chelsea.

The United manager went on record last season to say he would not bring in another attacker this summer after securing Sanchez in January, but if Martial departs, there would be a opportunity to sign another forward.

Meanwhile, sources said United are ready to turn their attention to Leicester centre-back Harry Maguire after negotiations with Tottenham for Toby Alderweireld hit a stalemate.

Mourinho is keen to bring in a centre-back this summer and Maguire, Alderweireld and Bayern Munich's Jerome Boateng are all on the list.

^ Back to Top ^