United wrap up surprise Martial deal

Manchester United have completed the surprise signing of striker Anthony Martial from Monaco for £36million on a four-year contract.

The 19-year-old has penned a long-term contract and could cost United significantly more than the initial £36million fee with numerous add ons involved in his Old Trafford deal.

Martial, who had been called up to the France squad for the first time, left their training base at Clairefontaine on Monday to undergo a medical at Old Trafford and finalise his move.

The former Lyon striker, who joined Monaco for 5m euros in 2013, has scored 15 goals in 72 games in his senior career.

“I’m so excited to join United,” Martial told the club’s website. “I’ve always wanted to play in the Premier League and look forward to meeting my team-mates.”

“Anthony is a talented young forward with great potential. I believe this is the club for him to continue his development,” added Louis van Gaal on the the club’s official site.

Martial completes United medical

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It is understood United will pay Monaco an initial £36m for the 19-year-old forward, making him the most expensive teenager in football history.

Martial was given permission to leave the France national squad on Monday but is now back with his compatriots ahead of their upcoming friendlies against Portugal and Serbia.

United are yet to confirm the transfer, but an announcement is expected later on deadline day.

Martial signed a new deal with Monaco only in June, when the Ligue 1 club’s vice-president  Vadim Vasilyev called the player “untransferable”.

Vasilyev said then: “He was being contacted by some of Europe’s biggest clubs but we wanted to make sure that he continues his development with AS Monaco.

“What Anthony has been able to achieve at just 19 years of age is impressive, to say the least, but the best is yet to come.”

Martial’s imminent arrival comes after United sold Javier Hernandez to Bayer Leverkusen, while Adnan Januzaj is has secured a loan move to Borussia Dortmund.

Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao have also left Old Trafford this summer, leaving Wayne Rooney as the club’s only recognised senior striker.