Juventus step up Anthony Martial interest following Chiesa injury

Add as preferred source on Google

Juventus are set to open talks with Manchester United over a deal for Anthony Martial, following the season-ending injury to Federico Chiesa.

The Frenchman continues to be overlooked by interim boss Ralf Rangnick after he told the German he wanted to leave the club last month, following a conversation between the pair.

The 26-year-old hasn’t featured since the interim boss arrived at the club and he was once again absent from the matchday squad in Monday’s FA Cup win against Aston Villa.

United’s number nine hasn’t played since coming off the bench in the dying stages of the 3-2 win against Arsenal last month.

But Martial and his representatives seemingly remain keen on securing a move away from Old Trafford in the January transfer window.

However, in order for that to happen, United will want a large portion of his £240,000-per-week wages covered alongside a probable loan fee.

An approach from La Liga side Sevilla for the French international was rebuffered last month and it seems they have abandoned their pursuit of Martial and are instead focusing their attentions elsewhere.

But according to 90min, Juventus have held talks with United and are readying an offer to take Martial on loan until the end of the season, with an option to buy.

And after it was confirmed that Italian star Chiesa would be ruled out for the rest of the season due to an anterior cruciate knee ligament injury, this has led to the Old Lady ‘accelerating’ their pursuit of a forward.

With Max Allegri’s need for another attacker compounded by Chiesa’s injury, Martial is believed to be an ‘ideal option’ given his availability.

If a formal bid is submitted by Juventus which meets United’s criteria then it’s highly unlikely that Anthony Martial would turn down an opportunity of moving to Turin.

• Ben Foster conjures new Marcus Rashford theory after England star’s performance against Panama at World Cup
• Fabrizio Romano claims Man United have made absolute Amad Diallo transfer decision
• Forget M.Fernandes, Man Utd ‘increasingly optimistic’ about prising away Premier League star
• Man United set to be hit by hidden costs as reality of Manuel Ugarte injury payout laid bare
• Roy Keane ‘put demands’ on training sessions, but Rio Ferdinand says three Man Utd legends set elite standards