Anthony Martial remains a viable target for Tottenham

BURNLEY, ENGLAND - JANUARY 20: Anthony Martial of Manchester United celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Burnley and Manchester United at Turf Moor on January 20, 2018 in Burnley, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
BURNLEY, ENGLAND - JANUARY 20: Anthony Martial of Manchester United celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Burnley and Manchester United at Turf Moor on January 20, 2018 in Burnley, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) /
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Tottenham and Manchester United continue to dance around the issue of Toby Alderweireld. Until that’s resolved, Anthony Martial remains a target for Spurs.

It’s no secret that Jose Mourinho desperately wants to bring Toby Alderweireld to Manchester United. It’s equally as well known that Daniel Levy doesn’t want that to happen. That is, unless, Anthony Martial heads to North London as part of the deal.

At this precise moment in time, the momentum on all fronts is stalled. That doesn’t mean things couldn’t change very quickly. Both clubs are running out of time to make the changes their managers want before the transfer window slams shut. Mourinho wants a new centre back and Mauricio Pochettino wants a shiny new attacker.

United officials would like everyone to believe signing Leicester City defender Harry Maguire is a realistic option. The Foxes have no plans to let the English international leave this summer. United could get a deal done if they want to hand Leicester a small fortune, but that’s not something Ed Woodward wants to do.

Add all of that up, and it’s clear anything could happen between these two clubs and their two big stars before the window closes. If United really learn they can’t acquire Maguire for a reasonable fee, they’re certainly going to re approach Tottenham about Alderweireld’s availability. Once that happens, they can expect Levy to make a fresh inquiry about Martial.

The odds are still stacked against a swap of any sorts occurring, but it’s far from impossible. This is the rare potential swap deal that would benefit both sides. Alderweireld could provide United the classy defender they need to stabilize their defence. His departure would be a blow for Spurs, but Jan Vertonghen and Davinson Sanchez formed an excellent partnership in his absence last season. Pochettino has the defensive depth to potentially cover Alderweireld’s departure.

United also have enough attacking options to part ways with Martial. In particular, Mourinho could use Marcus Rashford more on the wing. No one at Old Trafford wants to let a promising talent like Martial go, but he’s not going to thrive under Mourinho. Holding on to him just to keep him away from another club is a poor use of resources for any club.

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At the very least, expect rumours of Tottenham and United discussing Martial to pop up again as long as Alderweireld is still a member of Spurs. As long as United still want the Belgian defender, the French attacker could be headed to Tottenham.