Tension at Old Trafford as Barcelona plot surprise move for Manchester United striker

• Barcelona who are looking to trim their wage in order to register new signing Ferran Torres have set their eyes on Man United striker Anthony Martial
• Anthony Martial has struggled to establish himself in Manchester United’s first team this season
• The French forward has made just seven appearances for United this season with five of those from the bench

Struggling Manchester United forward Anthony Martial might just be on his way out of Old Trafford as Spanish Giants Barcelona have intensified interest in the French forward.

The 26-year old has struggled to make an impact in the United first team and has been relegated to being a bit-part player, which has prompted the former AS Monaco star to seek a move away from Ralf Ragnick’s side.

Martial has made just seven league appearances for Manchester United all season with just two starts to his name and the striker has not featured for the Red Devils since the first week of December.

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United had earlier reportedly rebuffed an offer from Sevilla who approached the Premier League side over a loan deal that would see them pay half of Martial's wages, according to The Mirror.

Barcelona are now the frontrunner for Martial’s signature as The Daily Mail reports the Catalan Club is in talks with Manchester United over a potential swap deal for Anthony Martial.

Spanish news outlet Marca reports that both Barcelona and Manchester United are discussing terms over a deal which would see Martial sign with Los Cules on loan for six months, with Dembele permanently joining the Old Trafford club.

Dembele's contract with Barcelona is due to expire in June, and the Camp Nou club have thus far been unable to agree on an extension with the French international.

Barcelona's signing of Ferran Torres adds further financial strain onto the club's well-documented difficulties, meaning they would have to part ways with current players to fund further attacking reinforcements.

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