Transfer notebook: Man United to offload Anthony Martial, escape route for Harry Maguire, new Chelsea contract for Conor Gallagher
Manchester United are ready to cut their losses on Anthony Martial when the transfer window reopens in January.
United are actively looking for ways to offload the injury-plagued French striker, whose only goal this season was in the EFL Cup victory at home to Crystal Palace.
Martial is one of United’s highest earners and his contract is due to expire at the end of the season, so the Red Devils are willing to accept a minimal fee.
He joined United from Monaco in 2015 in a deal worth up to £57m, a world record for a teenager at the time, but in nine seasons at Old Trafford has failed to justify that hefty price tag.
talkSPORT understands Martial had interest from the Saudi Pro-League in the summer.
Harry Maguire to Milan?
Harry Maguire could be offered the chance to follow in the footsteps of Chris Smalling by relaunching his flagging club career in Italy.
Maguire rejected interest from West Ham to stay and fight for his Manchester united future.
But the England defender hinted in a Three Lions press conference last week that he would reconsider his position unless he can command a regular place in manager Erik ten Hag’s team.
West Ham would remain interested in signing Maguire but sources in Italy have suggested AC Milan are among a host of Serie A clubs monitoring the situation.
Smalling has enjoyed an amazing revival since moving to Roma from United in 2019.
New contract for Conor Gallagher
Conor Gallagher is open to signing a new contract at Chelsea after becoming a key player under Mauricio Pochettino.
England international Gallagher’s future of Stamford Bridge was uncertain throughout the summer as clubs including Tottenham were eager to prise him away.
At one stage Chelsea were open to the idea of cashing in on their academy product after placing a £50m price tag on his head.
But Gallagher has been a mainstay of Pochettino’s midfield and has even donned the captain’s armband and the Blues are now expected to open talks over a new deal.
Cherries chilled on winless start
Bournemouth are relaxed about the future of manager Andoni Iraola despite his winless start to life in the Premier League.
Spaniard Iraola is still waiting for his first victory since replacing Gary O’Neill in the summer.
But talkSPORT understands the Cherries were prepared for the prospect of struggling to pick up points early on after being handed a daunting fixture list.
Ironically, Iraola has the chance to get off the mark at the ninth time of asking when Bournemouth welcome O’Neil’s Wolves to the Vitality Stadium on Saturday.
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