Manchester United Transfer News: Anthony Martial Wants Zlatan Ibrahimovic Deal

Manchester United striker Anthony Martial has thrown his support behind the club making a move to sign Zlatan Ibrahimovic this summer, a star he has described as an "extraordinary player."

The France international spoke to French television programme Telefoot, and Martial gave his approval for Ibrahimovic's signature while stating his admiration for under-fire manager Louis van Gaal (h/t Yahoo):

"

Ibrahimovic? It would be nice to play with him, he is an extraordinary player and he continues to prove it despite his age. We will have to strengthen during the transfer window, although we have a good team.

I really like Louis van Gaal, he was always behind me. He made me come and made me play - this is the most important thing.

"

It was Van Gaal who brought Martial to Old Trafford in a £36 million move from Monaco last summer, but the Dutchman's presence at United could have a major impact on whether Ibrahimovic joins their ranks.

Ibrahimovic is set to leave Paris Saint-Germain at the end of this season when his contract expires, but the Daily Mail's Jack Gaughan reported Van Gaal would not move for the 34-year-old due to his age. The United chief was also quoted and suggested he would rather persist with the likes of youngster Marcus Rashford up front:

"

We need to improve our selection [squad], because when I took over we had six or seven players above 33 years old. But now we have a much younger team and still we need a much younger selection because we need creative players in attack and also fast players.

I like [our] own youth players more because they already know the culture in Manchester United, and that is also the philosophy for example of Ajax or Barcelona and also Bayern Munich. He [Ibrahimovic] is already 34 and I just spoke about the age [of the players].

"

The Telegraph added Ibrahimovic would not be willing to join United while Van Gaal—who served as an Ajax director during the Swede's time at the Dutch outfit—remained at Old Trafford (h/t Sun's Anthony Chapman).

Despite his advanced years, however, Ibrahimovic has remained a potent force for PSG this season, and Fanatix put into figures the veteran's prolific scoring ratio:

A young figure like Martial, 20, would undoubtedly benefit greatly from working alongside such a revered international striker, one who has been followed by silverware success in every step of his career.

Nigerian broadcaster Deji Kofi Faremi added further praise for the outbound PSG ace, who is on track to challenge for great individual accolades this term, as well as those team-based:

"

Cristiano Ronaldo's 30th league goal. Level with Higuain (who won't be playing for some time) and Ibrahimovic in race for Golden Shoe.

— Deji Kofi Faremi (@deejayfaremi) April 9, 2016"

The Daily Star's Rhys Turrell sourced the Telegraph last week and reported that rumoured United managerial target Jose Mourinho had already reached out to Ibrahimovic regarding an Old Trafford reunion.

The pair won the 2008-09 Serie A title and the 2008 Italian Super Cup during their one year together at Inter, and it's believed the pair share a fond relationship to this date.

Jon Super/Associated Press

Martial's hopes of linking up with Ibrahimovic could therefore hinge on Mourinho replacing Van Gaal at the Red Devils helm, removing what's believed to be the biggest obstacle present.

Ibrahimovic's knowledge would help develop Martial—already a powerful force in his own right—into an even greater weapon while also giving United the experienced, potent option up front they've been searching for.