Transfer Centre

West Ham United 'open talks with Manchester United over Anthony Martial deal'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 13 August 2023

West Ham 'open talks with Man United over Martial deal'

West Ham United register an interest in signing Manchester United forward Anthony Martial during this summer's transfer window, according to a report.

West Ham United have reportedly approached Manchester United to register their interest in signing Anthony Martial during this summer's transfer window.

The Hammers have already agreed a £30m deal with Man United for Harry Maguire, while the capital outfit are also being heavily linked with a move for Scott McTominay.

According to talkSPORT, a third Red Devils player is wanted by David Moyes's side, with Martial identified by the Europa Conference League holders as an ideal acquisition.

The report claims that discussions have already taken place over a potential deal for the Frenchman, who faces an uncertain future with the 20-time English champions.

West Ham have allegedly told Man United that they want to be kept informed of any developments surrounding the 27-year-old, with Fenerbahce also believed to be interested.

Manchester United's Anthony Martial in action with Bournemouth's Lewis Cook on May 20, 2023 © Reuters

A recent report claimed that Fenerbahce had been told by Martial's agent that the forward is available on a free transfer this summer despite the fact that his contract is due to run until next June.

The attacker has not been involved in Man United's pre-season due to the hamstring injury that kept him out in the latter stages of the 2022-23 campaign.

However, Red Devils head coach Erik ten Hag made no mention of Martial when discussing the injured players at the club on Friday, and he has been back in training of late.

As a result, there is a chance that the forward could be involved in the Man United squad for Monday's Premier League opener with Wolverhampton Wanderers at Old Trafford.

Sevilla's Nemanja Gudelj in action with Manchester United's Anthony Martial on April 20, 2023 © Reuters

Martial made the move to Old Trafford from Monaco in September 2015, but he has largely struggled to show the type of form that made him one of the most in-demand youngsters in world football.

The forward has made 298 appearances for the 20-time English champions, scoring 88 goals and registering 53 assists in the process.

A successful pre-season ahead of the 2022-23 campaign was expected to lead to Martial starting as the number one centre-forward at the expense of Cristiano Ronaldo, but he missed the start of the season with a hamstring problem.

Martial also struggled with back, Achilles, hip and muscular issues last term, which restricted him to just nine goals and three assists in 29 appearances.

Man United are unlikely to allow the former Monaco youngster to leave unless they sign another forward, with Ten Hag still short in the final third despite the recent signing of Rasmus Hojlund, who is not available in the early weeks of the season through injury.