JOSE WANTS ANT TO STAY

JOSE MOURINHO will fight to keep unsettled striker Anthony Martial at Manchester United.

Martial’s agent Philippe Lamboley revealed earlier this week that the Frenchman wants to quit Old Trafford this summer.

Martial, 22, has failed to hold down a regular place in Mourinho’s two years in charge.

He is now looking for an escape route after starting less than half of United’s league games last season.

But it is understood that United have left Lamboley in no doubt that they do not want Martial to leave.

The former Monaco star has 12 months remaining on his contract but, as with all United player deals, there is the option for another year that would keep him tied to the club until 2020.

Informal negotiations between United and Lamboley have been ongoing for some months, with Tottenham watching developments.

Martial’s name has even been mentioned as part of a potential deal for United to sign Spurs defender Toby Alderweireld.

But United believe that, after three often inconsistent seasons in English

STAYING PUT: Martial football, Martial’s best years are ahead of him.

The Red Devils privately believe Lamboley’s comments were an attempt to turn the screw on them because contract talks have stalled.

And although Mourinho was publicly critical of Martial at times last season, the Portuguese coach still believes he has an important part to play. WEST HAM will battle with Everton to sign £15m-rated Toulouse defender Issa Diop.

Diop, 21, is weighing up his options but will leave France to head to the Premier League this summer.

The Hammers also hope to sign defender Alfie Mawson and keeper Lukasz Fabianski from relegated Swansea.