Man Utd prepare for huge Saudi transfer bid as 'Joel Glazer favourite' targeted
Manchester United forward Anthony Martial is the latest Premier League star to be targeted by the cash-rich Saudi Pro League.
And it’s believed that Old Trafford boss Erik ten Hag would be prepared to allow the injury-plagued player to leave for the right offer. West Ham are also monitoring Martial’s situation but it’s unlikely they would be able to match any fee and wages on offer from the Middle East.
Al-Hilal, who have just signed Neymar from Paris Saint-Germain, have discussed bringing in Martial if they fail to complete a £46million move for Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic.
If that goes ahead Martial’s advisors have been told that there are other Saudi Pro League clubs waiting in the wings for the France international signed from Monaco eight years ago for £36 million, then the highest fee ever paid for a teenager. But Martial’s career has never really taken off at Old Trafford while fans have got on his back over a languid style of play.
It’s why United would be prepared to discuss his departure, especially with the Saudis expected to come in with a hefty transfer fee. Willingness from the Red Devils to part ways with Martial hasn't always been there, with the Frenchman boasting a keen admirer high up within the club hierarchy.
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United's co-owner Joel Glazer is thought to be a huge fan of Martial and has even previously likened him to Brazil icon Pele. It is believed that the American businessman actually stepped in and blocked Jose Mourinho from selling Martial while the self-proclaimed 'Special One' was at the Old Trafford helm.
Back then, United were keeping tabs on then-Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic and regarded selling Martial as a perfect way to raise the required funds. That was until Glazer intervened and made sure the France international stayed put, meaning United lost out on Rakitic in the process.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Should United part ways with Martial this summer? Comment below
Anthony Martial could leave Man United this summer (Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)Nowadays, it is unlikely that Glazer would try and wield such influence. Ten Hag is unlikely to tolerate such interference and seems to view Martial as surplus to requirements judging by his team selections.
The United boss has previously publicly conceded that it is "difficult to rely on" Martial because of his injury record. Ten Hag's claim is certainly backed up by the evidence, with the French forward failing to complete 90 minutes in the league even once last term.
Martial has come close to leaving United a number of times since his arrival in 2015, but this summer, amid Saudi interest and limited game time opportunities, could finally be his Old Trafford farewell with just one year left on his deal.
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