UNITED Martial plan could be key to who Reds sign

ANTHONY Martial could be a key figure in Jose Mourinho’s attempts to overhaul his United squad this summer.

United are adamant they do not want to sell the French international – and are attempting to secure his long-term future with a contract extension.

But the 22-year-old has been frustrated by his lack of opportunities since Alexis Sanchez’ arrival in January – and is likely to find his progress further limited if Mourinho completes deals for a number of attacking targets being considered.

Gareth Bale’s come-and-get-me plea has put United on high alert, while Willian is a long-term target who is back on their radar this summer. Marko Arnautovic is another option, with Mourinho watching the West Ham forward on Wednesday night.

Should any of those players arrive, it would further impact on the opportunities for both Martial and Marcus Rashford, who already find themselves behind Sanchez and Romelu Lukaku in Mourinho’s pecking order.

Martial’s situation has caught the attention of suitors around Europe, who have sounded out United about his potential availability.

In a summer when Mourinho wants to spend in excess of £200m, Martial stands out as a high-value asset, who could boost his spending power.

And it is notable that clubs are attempting to involve him in the conversation when it comes to Mourinho’s leading targets.

Tottenham are believed to be keen to involve him in any deal that would see Toby Alderweireld head to Old Trafford.

Juventus, meanwhile, floated the prospect of Martial heading to Turin, during discussions about Alex Sandro.

Both Chelsea and Real Madrid are among the other European clubs monitoring the forward.

Mourinho had been adamant he wouldn’t add to his attack following the signing of Sanchez, with midfield and defence his priorities. But his growing frustration with Martial, plus the potential availability of Bale, is prompting a rethink.

A major problem would be Real’s asking price for Bale – expected to be as high as £200m.

That would severely eat into United’s budget, which is intended to recruit at least one midfielder, two full-backs and a centre-back.

With no money coming in for Michael Carrick, who has retired, and Marouane Fellaine, who can leave as a free agent, United have few options when it comes to recouping funds.

Luke Shaw would command a fee of between £20-30m – but Matteo Darmian and Daley Blind, who are both likely to leave, would only bring in small fees.

Martial represents United’s highestvalue asset in terms of players on the fringes of Mourinho’s plans.

They could expect to command a fee in excess of £60m for a player who is still highly-regarded in Europe, despite his troubles at Old Trafford.

The concern within the United hierarchy is the danger of cutting ties with a player they believed was a future Ballon d’Or winner when signing him from Monaco in 2015. But they would also be loathe to see him further marginalised under Mourinho.

Involving him in a deal for one of their major targets in a critical summer, could yet be the best solution for all.