Saudi Arabian clubs 'interested in signing Anthony Martial'

Manchester United striker Anthony Martial is reportedly the subject of interest from a number of Saudi Arabian clubs, with the Frenchman potentially leaving Old Trafford before the summer market closes.

The 27-year-old did not make a single appearance for the Red Devils during pre-season due to a hamstring problem that he picked up towards the end of last season.

Martial was an unused substitute for his side's Premier League opener against Wolverhampton Wanderers last Monday, before featuring for the final five minutes of Saturday's 2-0 loss at Tottenham Hotspur.

Man United are currently short of options at centre-forward, with new signing Rasmus Hojlund out with a back problem, which has seen Marcus Rashford play through the middle thus far this season.

Rashford struggled to have an impact against either Wolves or Spurs, and it is believed that head coach Erik ten Hag had ideally been looking to sign another forward this summer alongside Hojlund.

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Man United are unlikely to be able to sign a striker unless there are a number of departures late in the window due to the rules surrounding Financial Fair Play.

Ten Hag has admitted that both Brandon Williams and Donny van de Beek could leave, while Harry Maguire, Scott McTominay and Eric Bailly are being linked with exits.

According to The Mirror, Martial could also be on the move before the end of the transfer window, with a number of Saudi Arabia clubs thought to be interested.

The report claims that West Ham United are also keen, but the Hammers will be unable to match the money that could be placed on the table by teams operating in the Saudi Pro League.

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Al-Hilal had allegedly viewed Martial as an alternative to Aleksandar Mitrovic, but the club announced on Saturday evening that they had signed the forward from Fulham.

Martial made the move to Old Trafford from Monaco in 2015, and he has represented the Red Devils on 299 occasions in all competitions, scoring 88 goals and registering 53 assists in the process.

Last season, the Frenchman was restricted to just 29 appearances in all competitions, but he did manage to find the back of the net on nine occasions.

Man United are highly unlikely to agree to an exit unless they identify a suitable replacement, but the club are also believed to be looking to bring in a defensive midfielder.

The 20-time English champions will be bidding to bounce back from their loss to Spurs when they host Nottingham Forest next weekend.