Martial Rejects United’s New Contract Offer

Juventus are ready to step up interest in Anthony Martial after the France forward rejected a proposed new contract from Manchester United.

Martial is understood to be growing frustrated at his continued lack of starting opportunities following the arrival of Alexis Sanchez.

Though he has made 40 appearances and scored 11 goals, Martial has often been alternated with Marcus Rashford, another who has been yearning for more first-team action, and is preparing to look for a new club this summer.

Tottenham, Atletico Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain have a long-held interest in Martial too.

The 22-year-old has been quick to dispel talk of any discontent at Old Trafford previously but is struggling to see much change in his opportunities with Romelu Lukaku and Sanchez holding down the main forward roles.

United boss Jose Mourinho has maintained United do not want to sign any more attacking players this summer but retains interest in Gareth Bale at Real Madrid, plus Chelsea’s Willian.

Juventus For Morata

Juventus are interested in bringing Alvaro Morata back to Turin, with Chelsea facing a battle to hang on to the striker after an underwhelming debut season in England.

Morata, who joined the Blues for a £70.6million fee including add-ons last summer, enjoyed a successful two-year spell with the Italians before leaving in 2016.

Despite his exit, which saw him return to Real Madrid for a second spell, he has made no secret of his eagerness to return to Italy in the future.

And, according to Corriere dello Sport, that dream could become a reality ahead of next season with Juventus keeping a close eye on his situation in west London.

The Spanish striker has yet to hit the ground running in the Premier League, despite scoring 11 top-flight goals under Antonio Conte.

He has often cut a frustrated figure around the club and Chelsea face a dilemma over the former Real Madrid forward, having seen Diego Costa return to Atletico Madrid in January.

It is understood Morata’s unhappiness in England — with the striker apparently upset by the physical approach of Premier League defenders — has become evident at the club’s Cobham training base and his team-mates are concerned.

He is also fighting to secure a place in the Spain squad for the World Cup in Russia this summer and should he miss out, he may want to rebuild his career back in Italy.