Ratcliffe 'waiting' to complete Man Utd transfer that was blocked by Joel Glazer

07 January 2024 , 14:54

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Manchester United could sell Anthony Martial in the January transfer window (Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United FC)

Manchester United are waiting for Fenerbahce to firm up their interest in Anthony Martial amid interest in the Frenchman's services.

Martial, 28, is inside the final six months of his contract at Old Trafford but is currently surplus to requirements under Erik ten Hag and is unlikely to be retained beyond the summer, even though United have the option to extend his stay by a further year.

The former AS Monaco man has started just seven matches this term and was not expected to attract interest the January transfer window. However, it now appears as though Fenerbahce could make a move to extract Martial from his contrac t six months early.

According to reports in Turkey, the Super Lig giants are preparing an €8million (£6.8m) offer for the striker's services - and it seems highly unlikely United would stand in Martial's way were such a proposal to be tabled.

The Manchester Evening News has outlined that United are not inclined to extend Martial's contract due to poor form and fitness issues and, as such, are open to cashing in on the forward this month.

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Previous attempts to offload Martial, who joined the club back in 2015, have faltered for numerous reasons. The player is known to be a favourite of co-owner Joel Glazer who is said to have personally intervened t o prevent him from being sold during Jose Mourinho 's premiership.

However, Sir Jim Ratcliffe has now assumed control of sporting operations at Old Trafford after agreeing a £1.25billion for a 25 per cent stake in the club with the Glazers - meaning the Ineos chief will have the final say on all transfer incomings and outgoings.

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Manchester United co-owner Joel Glazer is known to be a fan of Martial (AP)

United have already been busy in terms of outgoings this month with Donny van de Beek joining Eintracht Frankfurt on a six-month loan with the scope to turn said move permanent.

Jadon Sancho is looking increasingly likely to follow the Dutchman out the door, too, with his former club Borussia Dortmund attempting to re-sign him.

The Bundesliga giants are currently in talks with United over a loan deal for the winger, who has been exiled since falling out with Ten Hag back in September. The deal is not expected to include an option to buy, however, with United keen to reassess Sancho's situation in the summer.

Dan Marsh