Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho will only sanction a deal to sell Anthony Martial to Chelsea if Willian moves in the opposite direction, reports The Independent.
Martial has been heavily linked with a move away from Old Trafford this summer after reportedly turning down an offer of a new contract from the club.
The France international’s current deal is due to expire at the end of next season but United have an option to extend his stay by a further 12 months.
Martial has endured a difficult time at United since Mourinho was appointed manager two years ago and has fallen further down the pecking order since Alexis Sanchez’s arrival in January.
Chelsea are one of several sides monitoring Martial’s future at Old Trafford and United would surprisingly be open to dealing with their Premier League rivals.
United have been heavily linked with a move for Willian since Mourinho was appointed manager in 2016 and now there could be a chance to prise the Brazilian away from Chelsea.
Willian has previously moved to cool suggestions of a reunion with Mourinho but he could prove the makeweight that will convince United to part ways with Martial to a Premier League rival.
Martial, 22, has only started 36 league matches out of a possible 74 under Mourinho but his output has improved this season, netting nine times compared to four in Mourinho’s first campaign.
Willian has also struggled for regular playing time under Antonio Conte, starting 34 league matches of a possible 74 under the Italian.
This would be a great deal for Chelsea. Martial is still young, has experience and is a very talented player. He can take any spot in the front 3, even as a central striker.