Jose wants to keep Martial
MANCHESTER United manager Jose Mourinho will fight to keep unsettled France forward Anthony Martial.
Martial’s agent Philippe Lamboley told French media this week that his client wants to leave Old Trafford.
The 22-year-old has failed to hold down a regular place during Mourinho’s two years in charge and started less than half of United’s league games last season. He failed to make France’s squad for Russia.
The arrival of Alexis Sanchez from Arsenal in January shunted him lower down the United pecking order while Mourinho has also been linked with a move for Gareth Bale or Marko Arnautovic this summer.
But it is understood United have left Lamboley in no doubt that they do not want to let his client leave.
Martial only has one year remaining on his contract but, as with all United deals, there is the option for another year that would keep him tied to the club until 2020.
And informal negotiations between the United hierarchy and Lamboley have been on-going for several months.
Tottenham and Juventus are the two clubs to have shown greatest interest and he has been mooted as a part of a potential deal for United to sign Spurs defender Toby Alderweireld. But United believe that after three inconsistent seasons in English football, Martial’s best years are ahead of him.
United privately believe Lamboley’s comments were an attempt to turn the screw on them because talks have stalled.
And although Mourinho was publicly critical of Martial at times last season, he still believes he has an important part to play in his squad.