Exclusive - Juventus are set to open talks with Manchester United over a deal for Anthony Martial, 90min understands.
The 26-year-old French star made it clear to United earlier this season that he wanted to leave the club in January, and he reiterated that desire to interim boss Ralf Rangnick after he replaced Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Martial has not started a game under Rangnick and has been sidelined with an injury for the last month, but he is closing on a return.
Martial and his representatives have been working hard to find a move for him in this window, which United are not opposed to - but they have made it clear a sizeable chunk of his wages would need to be covered at the very least.
90min revealed last month that an offer for Sevilla was being considered by United, and Martial was keen to make the move - but there were issues over his wages being covered by La Liga's surprise package.
With the move to Sevilla stalled, Martial has been attracting interesting from elsewhere. Newcastle United have spoken to both parties about a prospective deal, but that has not progressed and now looks unlikely as they pursue other targets.
Barcelona have registered an interest in Martial, but their financial situation means they would need to let another player leave - even if it was on loan.
Sources have now confirmed that Juventus have held talks and are now readying an offer to take Martial on loan until the end of the season, with an option to buy. This is set to be discussed as part of the ongoing talks.
Juventus have just lost Italian star Federico Chiesa for the rest of the season to an anterior cruciate ligament injury, which has accelerated the Old Lady's need for a new forward.
Juve were in the market for a forward before Chiesa's injury, but now their need is paramount and they are believed to see Martial as the ideal option given his availability.
Martial is understood to be desperate to make a new start away from United and a chance to move to Turin is not an opportunity he will turn down.
Source : 90min