Man Utd struggling to shift Anthony Martial with star refusing to leave this month despite new loan bid from Marseille
MARSEILLE have launched a frantic late bid to try and land Anthony Martial, SunSport has learned.
Reports today claimed the Frenchman is planning to see out his deal at Manchester United having snubbed a move to Fenerbahce.
But Old Trafford sources say representatives from Marseille remain in touch with United over the chance of a loan move for Martial during this January transfer window.
However, any deal relies on the player being willing to go back to his homeland, which could prove to be a sticking point.
Our source said: “Interest remains high in Anthony.
“His stock may be low at Manchester United but there is interest among clubs in Europe for him.
“Marseille are at the front of the queue and are in touch with United about taking Anthony on loan in January.
“The problem is the player himself.
“As things stand, he is planning on seeing his deal out and then reconsidering his options in the summer.
“Anthony sees his next move as crucial, so he has no plans to rush into making any decisions over his future.”
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Martial, 28, is out of contract at the end of the season and Erik ten Hag stunned fans recently by claiming that United were in talks with the forward over a new deal.
They have the option to trigger a 12-month extension to his current contract.
The Dutchman said: “We are talking with Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial.
“That is an internal discussion between the club and the player.”
But contrary to Ten Hag’s comments, reports suggest the Red Devils are planning to part ways with the Frenchman after nine years at Old Trafford.
The former Lyon and Monaco attacker has scored just 12 Premier League goals over the past three-and-a-half seasons – including one in 2023-24 – and it seems that United have finally run out of patience with him.
The club’s preference would be to sell him this January and recoup some money rather than let him leave on a free in the summer.
But this also depends on whether United can sign a replacement.
The likes of Timo Werner and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting have been linked, but the former has opted for Spurs.
Elsewhere, SunSport revealed United have offered Facundo Pellistri to Sporting as part of a swap deal with highly-rated midfielder Morten Hjulmand.