Shock club 'open talks' to sign Anthony Martial as former Man Utd striker nears resolution on his future

A shock club has entered the race to sign former Manchester United striker Anthony Martial amid links to Greek side AEK Athens.

Martial left United earlier in the summer as a free agent, having spent eight years at the club.

The once highly-rated forward could have gone to almost any team in the world when he came to the Premier League, but has struggled to find a new club over the summer.

But now, it is being reported that that a shock club has come out of nowhere to try and secure the Frenchman’s signature.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Brazilian club Flamengo have made contact with Martial as they consider him one of the top options to replace current striker Pedro who has suffered an injury to his anterior cruciate ligament.

Brazilian outlet Globo, had previously reported that the Flamengo forward sustained the injury to his left knee during a training session.

The 27-year-old had been linked with a move to Nottingham Forest late in the summer transfer window, but the deal didn’t materialise as the two clubs couldn’t agree on a suitable fee.

Having scored 30 goals in all competitions for Flamengo this year, losing Pedro will be a big loss and therefore, the club are looking to replace him with a free agent who could join the club immediately.

And Martial appears to be one of the top options that Flamengo are considering to replace their frontman, as Romano confirmed they have already approached him regarding a move.

But the Brazilian club aren’t the only side hoping to secure Martial’s services, with recent reports also suggesting that AEK Athens had made a contract offer to the striker.

Anthony Martial made 317 appearances for Manchester United, scoring 90 goals and assisting a further 47 in all competitions. (Image: Getty)

The Greek side are said to be prepared to make the 28-year-old the highest paid player in the club’s 100 year history, overtaking the current top earner Erik Lamela, who nets £2.1million-a-year.

Ligue 1 club Lille had also been linked with a move for the French forward, but the rumours was later shut down by club president Olivier Letang.

Speaking to DAZN, he said: “Contacts with Martial? No. Absolutely none. I’m not in the habit of stockpiling players. We have Jonathan David, Mohamed Bayo, and Matias Fernandez-Pardo. That’s already three solutions for one position.”