Altetico Madrid are lining up a player-swap deal in order to sign Manchester United’s forward Anthony Martial, according to reports.
Martial’s agent, Philippe Lamboley, said on Friday that the Frenchman wants a January transfer after falling down the pecking order at the club, & that he would ‘speak to the club soon’.
The former Monaco striker has barely played for United this campaign under old manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and a knock ruled him out of their matches against Crystal Palace and Norwich.
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With just 10 appearances this campaign and one goal, Martial looks destined for the exit and Eurosport are claiming that Atletico Madrid are preparing to offer United a swap deal in order to sign him.
The report doesn’t name which players could be used in the deal but Atletico may be welcome to allowing Kieran Trippier to finally leave, given he’s been linked with United in recent windows.
Atletico have been long-term admirers of Martial and believe his agent’s admission that he wants to leave Old Trafford could be the perfect time to sign him.
But, United’s interim head coach Ralf Rangnick has played down reports about Martial’s exit and says the player has not spoke to him about leaving the club since he’s taken over.
‘I don’t communicate with agents via the media and press. The player hasn’t spoken with me or us about it,’ he said.
‘After the final training session before the Crystal Palace game, after having trained with team, he informed the doctor and the medical department that he would not be available because the pain in his knee is too big. We have to wait and see.
‘Maybe he can train again [on Sunday] but I have to speak to the doctor first. To be honest, what his agent says via the media is not of that much interest to me.’
Paris Saint-Germain and Lyon are also both reported to be interested in bringing Martial back to France.
