United set to sign Martial

Monaco striker Anthony Martial is close to completing a shock move to Manchester United after being released by the France national team to sign a contract with Louis van Gaal's side, the French FA have announced.

According to reports, United made an astonishing offer of £36m to Monaco  for the 19-year-old’s services in the aftermath of their 2-1 defeat to Swansea on Sunday, as Van Gaal looks to strengthen his toothless attack.

"Antony Martial was presented Monday at 11:00 at the gathering of the France team at Clairefontaine," a statement released by the French FA read. "He requested from Didier Deschamps permission to travel to England to sign a contract with Manchester United.

"Given the exceptional circumstances, the coach has acceded to the request of the player. Anthony Martial left Clairefontaine Monday at 12:00. He will return on Tuesday morning."

Van Gaal’s side have made an unconvincing start to the Premier League campaign having only managed to score three goals in their opening four matches. In fact, they’ve only scored more than one goal in a league game once in their last 10 outings.

The former Barcelona manager had entrusted captain Wayne Rooney with the role of leading United’s attack this season, but appears to be losing patience in the 29-year-old following his poor start.

Rooney hasn’t scored in the Premier League since the start of April and toiled in front of goal once more during United’s 2-1 defeat to Swansea on Sunday.

Martial is yet to establish himself in senior football but is highly regarded and was linked with Barcelona earlier this summer. Nevertheless, the move for a raw talent comes as a surprise when United desperately need a proven goalscorer to ease their woes in front of goal.

The Monaco striker could earn his first senior cap for France over the next fortnight following his call up to Didier Deschamps French squad.

Martial joined Monaco in 2013 for a measly £3.6m from Ligue 1 rivals Lyon and has scored 11 goals in 48 league appearances for Leonardo Jardim’s side.

For more stats on Antony Martial, click here to visit his WhoScored player page