Man United stance emerges on Anthony Martial amid West Ham United interest
Manchester United are prepared to allow Anthony Martial to leave this summer amid interest from West Ham in signing the forward, according to The Sunday Mirror.
The newspaper reported on page 60 of its print edition on 20 August that the Frenchman is also being targeted by Saudi clubs, who it believes would be difficult for the Hammers to compete with in terms of wages.
It said Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag is open to allowing the 27-year-old to leave Old Trafford for the “right offer”, with his advisors being informed that a number of Saudi sides are monitoring his situation.
Difficult
This could be a difficult deal to get over the line after West Ham’s dealings with Man United already this summer and the interest from cash-rich clubs in the Middle East.
The Irons have been in negotiations over deals for Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay for the best part of the past month and, after those deals were eventually blocked by the Red Devils, that could put the East Londoners’ hierarchy off dealing with them again during this window.
Martial’s wages may also be an issue, as The Guardian previously reported he earns £150,000 a week and the Hammers may not be willing to pay that, while it probably wouldn’t be a problem for his Saudi suitors.
There is no doubt that the Frenchman is a quality operator on his day, but he has been plagued by injuries in recent years and there are huge question marks around whether he can stay fit for a period of time.
A loan move could be the best option so he can prove his fitness before looking into a permanent deal down the line if he performs well at the London Stadium.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers have made an approach to sign a Portuguese forward.