Manchester United forward Anthony Martial is a summer transfer target for Tottenham Hotspur, according to The Telegraph.
The Frenchman has fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford and his lack of game time would appear to be a key reason as to why he was omitted from his country’s 23-man squad for the upcoming World Cup finals in Russia.
Although London rivals Chelsea would be prepared to pay more for Martial’s signature, Spurs will hope to use United’s interest in defender Toby Alderweireld to get the move over the line.
The two players are thought to be valued at around £45 million by their respective employers and could move in opposite directions over the coming months.
Moreover, Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has a reputation for developing young talent and can also offer Champions League football next term, after Chelsea missed out on a place in the Premier League’s top four.
Martial’s time in Manchester looks to be coming to an end after another season playing a bit-part role under Jose Mourinho.
Louis van Gaal originally signed the 22-year-old as a teenager in 2015 and he made an immediate impact, scoring on his debut in a 3-1 win over rivals Liverpool.
That promising first campaign now seems a distant memory, with Mourinho seemingly not keen on the 18-cap international.
However, with nine goals from 30 appearances in the top flight this season, only 18 of which were as a starter, the pacey youngster has shown that he can cut it at the highest level and should not be dismissed as a potential star of the future.
Tottenham have been linked with a move for former fan favourite Gareth Bale over recent months, but whilst that deal would have the romance factor, Martial may prove a more worthwhile pursuit.
The ex-Monaco man has plenty of room for progression and would add speed and directness to the Spurs attack, whilst also taking the goalscoring burden away from the talismanic Harry Kane.
Whether this transfer can be agreed is another matter entirely and it will doubtless take lengthy negotiation to sanction the move.