The Mirror
Manchester United have rebuffed an enquiry from Tottenham Hotspur for wantaway star Anthony Martial.
The French ace, 22, wants to leave Old Trafford after growing unhappy with his role under Jose Mourinho during the 2017-18 season.
Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino is keen on taking Martial to north London this summer, reports
the Manchester Evening News.
United agreed a fee rising to £56million with Monaco for his signature three years ago, and have thus far paid £44.4million.
But in the current market United value him far higher than both those figures and it's understood that they have told Spurs it will take 'silly money' to part with the forward.
United's brusque response to Spurs was inevitable after the two clubs failed to reach an agreement in talks over Toby Alderweireld. United opened negotiations with Tottenham in May with the intention of concluding a £55m deal for the 29-year-old but Spurs are holding out for considerably more.
Sources say Martial and Alderweireld's situations 'could rumble on and on', with the Belgian refusing to sign a new Tottenham contract. The transfer window for Premier League clubs to sign players closes in six weeks' time on August 9.
Despite United's stance, Jose Mourinho has said his policy is that if a player agitates he 'will never stop a player from leaving even if it is to a rival'.
Mourinho said the Alexis Sanchez and Henrikh Mkhitaryan swap deal was proof Premier League top six clubs should conduct transfer business between each other more often.
Both Alderweireld and Martial are technically out of contract next year but their deals include one-year options. Alderweireld's extension would automatically trigger a £25million release clause in 2019.
Spurs coach Mauricio Pochettino's admiration of Martial dates back to three years ago and just before he joined United on transfer deadline day. Martial signed a new contract with Monaco earlier that summer amid interest from Spurs but United saw off competition from Chelsea to sign the France international.
United have prepared for Martial's possible departure, having held informal talks with Chelsea winger Willian's representatives in May. They also hold a long-standing interest in Real Madrid's Gareth Bale.
Martial's agent, Philippe Lamboley said earlier this month: "After thinking about all the possibilities, Anthony wants to leave Manchester United.
"When Manchester United, which is the most powerful club in the world, does not find an agreement in eight months of negotiations, it is that it does not really want to make him an important player.
"It is a well-considered decision. He is under contract, United will have the last word and we will respect the decision of the club, it will go to the end of its commitment.
"We do not have the same vision on Anthony's future. Without the unconditional support of the fans, Anthony would have already asked to leave United.
"I will not comment on the consequences of the January transfer window. Everyone will have his opinion, I think he must resume the course of his career. The time has come."
Meaningful? Or just pearoostering before negotiations begin in earnest?
