Tottenham failed in their pursuit of Anthony Martial earlier in the season and may not stand a chance of bringing the 23-year-old to London after Manchester United triggered a 12-month contract extension. When Martial’s contract was winding down, Tottenham were in a position of power, but the extension now means United can hike up his asking price to scare off suitors.
Mauricio Pochettino won’t be in any rush to sign a Martial-type given the talent he has in the squad from Heung-min Son, Christian Eriksen, Lucas Moura, Georges-Kevin N’Koudou and Erik Lamela, but he would have improved the side nevertheless. The French international has contributed 70 goals in 155 games since joining United from AS Monaco and can play anywhere across the frontline like Son.
With Spurs curbing their spending over the summer due to the new stadium, it’s hard to envisage them paying more for Martial than United did two years ago (£38m). Strengthening the frontline isn’t a high priority in January either but may be important next summer if Fernando Llorente and Vincent Janssen depart at the end of the season.
The Tottenham midfield is in greater need of bolstering should Mousa Dembele be on his way out.
Crippy Cooke’s previous article
Frenchman should leave Tottenham in January, he failed to impress Pochettino – opinion