With just thirteen days remaining in this Summer’s transfer window, Manchester United continue to be linked with Belgian defender Toby Alderweireld.
According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, Jose Mourinho has identified Alderweireld as his primary target and they report that negotiations are progressing between United and Tottenham Hotspurs.
Nevertheless, any potential transfer will not be straightforward as it has emerged that Spurs will consider a deal; provided they get French winger Anthony Martial in return.
Martial has made it clear that he does not see his long-term future at Old Trafford. However, it is thought that Mourinho is reluctant to sell to a direct rival and would prefer to see Martial join a club outside of the Premier League.
He was signed by Louis Van Gaal in 2015 from AS Monaco in a deal worth a potential £56.7m (36m upfront with potential add-ons). He arrived with a reputation as one of the rising stars of world football but it has not quite gone to plan.
He has struggled for consistency and regular game time under Mourinho and it seems as if his United career has run its course. The arrival of Alexis Sanchez in January has seen him fall further down the pecking order.
This transfer could suit both parties. United require an elite centre-back to lead their title charge, and Martial wants regular football, preferably in the Premier League.
