Manchester United transfer news: Why Anthony Martial could yet stay against Jose Mourinho's wishes

The Frenchman's future is dependent on a bigger European transfer merry-go-round and the situation could yet see him stay beyond next week's deadline

Miguel Delaney
Chief Football Writer
Tuesday 31 July 2018 06:10 EDT
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Manchester United 2018/19 Premier League profile

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Anthony Martial's Manchester United future is dependent on a bigger European transfer merry-go-round, and the situation could yet see him stay at the club.

Although Jose Mourinho would now rather sell the forward, the Old Trafford hierarchy do not want to let such a talent go to a domestic rival such as Chelsea or Tottenham Hotspur.

That leaves Paris Saint-Germain as the only club with any real interest, but they are unlikely to make any move unless they see Real Madrid finally come in with a serious offer for one of their stars.

United had previously spoken with the French club about Martial being available for €80m, but PSG were never going to pay for that for what would currently be a back-up striker.

If Madrid however make a move for Kylian Mbappe or Neymar - with a bid for the Brazilian in particular still not being ruled out in this window - PSG would be expected to come back in.

Sources close to all camps say there is regular contact between intermediaries over the potential move of Neymar to Madrid.

It could also mean that some of United's business goes beyond the close of the Premier League window next week, if Madrid move late.

Juventus had previously been seen as a potential destination for Martial but they have spent their budget on Cristiano Ronaldo.

Anthony Martial of Manchester United (Man Utd via Getty Images)
Anthony Martial of Manchester United (Man Utd via Getty Images) (Getty)

Tottenham Hotspur remain hugely keen on the player, but there is so far absolutely no change to United's stance that he will not be sold within the Premier League.

As it stands, Martial is likelier to be a United player at the end of the window.

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