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Manchester United 'trebled offer for Anthony Martial within a week'

France's national football team forward Anthony Martial
Image: Anthony Martial could cost Manchester United £57.6m if 'very realistic' add-ons are met

Monaco vice-president Vadim Vasilyev has revealed Manchester United almost trebled their offer for Anthony Martial within a week, and has confirmed that the total value of the transfer could reach nearly £58m.

The 19-year-old, who scored 11 goals in 49 appearances for Monaco, became the most expensive teenager in the world after completing his move to Old Trafford from Monaco on deadline day for an initial fee of £36m.

But Vasilyev confirmed Arsene Wenger's claim that the figure will eventually rise to £57.6m and said the "unprecedented resources" of British clubs means selling players like Martial is unavoidable.

"It's true that the price for Martial is £57.6m but take into account this sum includes bonuses which are very realistic," he is quoted as saying in The Sun.

"Initially Martial was not for sale, it was absolutely not planned. Since last week United started to make offers which we declined several times – £21.6m, £28.8m, £36m, even £50.4m with bonuses.

Right now English football is on a different financial level and if Manchester United decides to buy somebody, it's very hard to stop them.
Monaco vice-president Vadim Vasilyev

"On Sunday the player got such an offer that he couldn't have declined. He asked us to find a solution and on Monday morning Manchester United made an offer to Monaco which the club couldn't refuse. 

"It's absolutely unique. It's the price of Luis Suarez or Neymar – the best players in the world. 

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"Right now English football is on a different financial level and if Manchester United decides to buy somebody, it's very hard to stop them."

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Manchester United's new signing Anthony Martial is determined to justify his price tag

The huge fee will mean Martial's first club – sixth-tier CO Les Ulis – will receive a windfall of around £270,000. Martial was on the books at Les Ulis before joining Lyon's training academy at 14.

Les Ulis coach Mamadou Niakate expects the payment will cover "four or five years" of the club's budget.

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