Inter Milan have reportedly drawn up a two-man shortlist to replace Alexis Sanchez with one target understood to be Manchester United winger Anthony Martial.
That’s according to a recent written report from Il Corriere dello Sport (via Forza Italian Football), who claims the French attacker, along with Lille’s Jonathan David, could end up taking Sanchez’s place at the San Siro.
Martial, 26, has been with United since he joined from Monaco back in 2015.
However, after struggling to find consistent form, the 26-year-old found himself loaned out to Spanish side Sevilla at the mid-way point of this season.
Although recently spotted hobbling off with an injury while in action over the weekend against Espanyol, Martial’s start to life at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium has been a positive one.
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Having so far featured in four matches, the France international has already directly contributed to two goals, including opening his account against Elche 10 days ago.
However, although expected to return to Old Trafford once the current campaign comes to a close, these recent reports suggest Martial’s long-term future is far from certain.
With Inter Milan now rumoured to be interested in signing the French attacker on a permanent deal, the Red Devils could find themselves facing a commercial decision in just a few months time.
Sanchez, 33, who joined the Nerazzurri from United two years ago, currently earns close to £6m (€7m) a year – an outgoing the Serie A champions are keen to cut.
The former United attacker is now expected to be moved on with either Martial or Lille’s David in line to replace him.
Stretty News’ Verdict
Following the impressive form of Jadon Sancho and with the likes of Marcus Rashford also waiting in the wings, it is unlikely that Martial is going to return to Old Trafford as a first-team starter.
However, there is an elephant in the room and that is the ongoing legal situation currently surrounding Mason Greenwood.
Following his arrest earlier this month, Greenwood remains out of the United reckoning and although it is still unknown what will happen to the young attacker, should the Englishman find his future lies outside of football, Martial could be handed an unlikely second United chance.
However, if Greenwood does return to action, Martial would find his name even further down the side’s pecking order and if a bid were to come in from overseas, it is hard to imagine the Red Devils’ hierarchy would turn it down.
