Sign up to the Independent's betting newsletter for the latest tips and offers
Sign up to the Independent's betting newsletter
A mystery club offered more money than Manchester United for the signature of Anthony Martial, Monaco have revealed.
The 19-year-old moved to Old Trafford in a £36m deal over the summer. Despite the widespread astonishment at United's willingness to spend so much on the youngster, there was another club ready to splash even more.
Monaco vice president Vadim Vasilyev revealed that it was only because of Martial's strong desire to join Louis van Gaal's side and the add-ons that could potentially take the fee to £58m that the striker was allowed to make the switch to United.
"There was another club that offered even more than United," Vasilyev told Marca.
"I will not say how much, but the fixed price – without variables – it was even better.
"And also they offered us to have him for a further year in Monaco. But the boy wanted to go to Manchester, it was his dream.
"We let him go with the bonus of €30 million. Had it not been for so much money, he’d have stayed."
Manchester United vs Wolfsburg player ratings
Show all 11
There are very few clubs with the finances to pay such a huge fee, meaning it was likely to have been one of Real Madrid, Barcelona, PSG, Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Bayern Munich or Juventus.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies