Manchester United ‘in talks’ with Barcelona over high-profile January swap deal

It could be a case of one in, one out at Old Trafford this month...
Ousmane Dembele (L) celebrates with Anthony Martial. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)Ousmane Dembele (L) celebrates with Anthony Martial. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)
Ousmane Dembele (L) celebrates with Anthony Martial. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)

Manchester United are reportedly “in talks” with Barcelona over a potential swap deal involving Anthony Martial.

The French striker is widely understood to be seeking an exit from Old Trafford in the January transfer window, but as yet, the Red Devils have struggled to find any suitable suitors.

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Sevilla have been touted as one potential destination for the 26-year-old, but United are said to have knocked back one offer from the Spanish side already.

According to a report from Catalan outlet Ara, however, Martial’s future could still lie in Spain, with Barca in the mix to sign him, and talks over a possible deal ongoing.

Ralf Rangnick has already confirmed Anthony Martial wants to leave the club. Credit: Getty.Ralf Rangnick has already confirmed Anthony Martial wants to leave the club. Credit: Getty.
Ralf Rangnick has already confirmed Anthony Martial wants to leave the club. Credit: Getty.

But given the five-time European champions have already spent big to bring in Ferran Torres from Manchester City this month, any further incomings could require something of a clear-out at the Nou Camp.

Former United forward Memphis Depay is one talent who has been linked with an exit in recent weeks, but it’s Ousmane Dembele who looks more likely to be included as a makeweight in any potential deal for Martial.

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The French winger has failed to agree terms on a contract extension in Catalonia, and could be shepherded out of the door to free up space on Barca’s wage bill.

How likely are Man United to seal the deal?

If there are two players in the upper echelons of European football who look destined to leave their respective clubs this month, it’s Martial and Dembele.

Both have taken up residency in the gossip columns of various continental publications in recent weeks, and seemingly with good reason.

At this stage, it would be mutually beneficial to both United and Martial to find him a fresh challenge before the window shuts - the player needs minutes and the Red Devils could always do with freeing up a little space in their squad.

Dembele has been linked with several of Europe’s top clubs. Credit: Getty.Dembele has been linked with several of Europe’s top clubs. Credit: Getty.
Dembele has been linked with several of Europe’s top clubs. Credit: Getty.
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Whether Dembele coming in would be as advantageous, however, is a matter of some debate. For one thing, there are other areas of the pitch in which United should look to invest before they bring in yet another forward.

Ultimately, the big question here is whether this is a case of two European giants finding a symbiotic solution to a pair of wantaway stars, or whether this is just idle speculation that conveniently connects some of the more joinable dots in this winter’s market.

Only time will tell...

What are the bookies saying?

The short answer is that they don’t fancy this deal in the slightest - or at least they don’t right now.

With regards to Martial’s next destination, Barcelona aren’t even listed in SkyBet’s top 10 clubs most likely to sign him.

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Newcastle United lead that race at odds of 5/4, with Sevilla coming in at 15/8, and West Ham United rounding out the top three at a distant 12/1.

Similarly, United seem to be out of the running for Dembele’s signature as well.

Again, Newcastle lead that chase at a price of 9/2, with Liverpool at 8/1 and PSG at 12/1.

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