Manchester United Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Anthony Martial, Gareth Bale

Manchester United are reportedly ready to part ways with Anthony Martial this summer in order to fund a move for Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale.

According to John Richardson of the Sunday Mirror, United boss Jose Mourinho is desperate to sign Bale despite the Wales international's struggles for form and fitness at the Santiago Bernabeu this season.

Such is the manager's intent to land Bale, Richardson reports Mourinho is ready to cash in on Martial.

"The former Monaco starlet has often been criticised by Mourinho for his languid style—one which hasn’t endeared him to the United fans," Richardson said. "Now, Mourinho will cash in at the end of the season, with Juventus leading the interest in Martial."

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As Richardson noted, Martial arrived at United in the summer of 2015 in a deal that could be worth £58 million. The Red Devils would be hopeful of recouping that cash if they were to let the 22-year-old leave.

To let a player at the start of his career depart to bring in a footballer towards the back end of his peak years would be a curious move by Mourinho, especially given Bale has had numerous issues with injuries in recent years at Madrid.

Still, when he does get on the field for Los Blancos, Bale remains a massive threat. As journalist Phil Kitromilides noted following the forward's brace against Las Palmas on Saturday, even in a frustrating campaign, the winger been prolific:

Bale can be a game-changer when he's at full flight, as he can surge forward, shoot from distance and deliver dangerous crosses into the area.

There's a feeling he has fallen down the pecking order in Madrid this season, though, with the likes of Marco Asensio and Lucas Vazquez impressing in recent weeks. Isco, while he's struggled to reach the same heights as last season, is also a wonderful option.

According to Guillem Balague of Sky Sports, Real are keen to offload Bale in the summer even though "he would like to stay." ESPN FC's Dermot Corrigan doesn't expect the No. 11 to be involved in the huge UEFA Champions League quarter-final first-leg clash with Juventus on Tuesday despite his double against Las Palmas:

While Bale would still be able to have an impact in the Premier League, you sense losing Martial would not be popular among a lot of United supporters. However, B/R's Dean Jones noted recently there have been some doubts about Martial under Mourinho:

"

Anthony Martial's future under Jose Mourinho is becoming more and more unclear—should he walk away from Manchester United? @DeanJonesBR https://t.co/hUg8ydUkA0 pic.twitter.com/kaBAhWfslX

— B/R Football (@brfootball) March 22, 2018"

Martial has started 16 games for United in the league this season in addition to his 10 substitute appearances. He's been impressive from the left flank too, with nine goals and five assists. When he's in the XI, the former Monaco man terrifies right-backs with his blistering speed and close control.

Martial will be desperate to have a set position in the starting XI, and he doesn't have that at United. It's why supporters won't be dismissing this speculation.