Barcelona very attentive over Anthony Martial’s situation at Man Utd

Barcelona are keeping a close eye on Anthony Martial’s situation at Manchester United ahead of January.

The Frenchman has seen limited playing time for the Red Devils this season. His agent Philippe Lamboley recently revealed that he wants to move on in the next transfer window.

The Blaugrana have been linked with Martial on many occasions in the past. Sport claims that the club are now ‘very attentive’ over the how United deal with the attacker’s position.

Martial is not among the top targets for the Catalan giants. The Blaugrana are prioritising a winter deal for Ferran Torres, but the Frenchman is being considered as an alternative.

Football Today verdict:

Martial has experienced a tough campaign with the Red Devils with just 359 minutes of playing time.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been an almost undisputed choice up front since his surprise homecoming over the summer.

Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood have also got the nod over Anthony Martial in the front line.

Martial can play out wide, but he faces competition likewise from Jadon Sancho, Bruno Fernandes and Jesse Lingard.

He is no longer an assured starter for the Red Devils, but the club may still be reluctant to sanction his mid-season exit.

Lingard appears set to leave for a cut-price deal in January, with his contract expiring at the end of the campaign.

Martial’s deal does not conclude until June 2024, and the hierarchy could block a potential departure in January.

A lucrative permanent offer could tempt them, but Barcelona may lean towards an initial loan amid their financial crisis.