Anthony Martial to Manchester United: Valencia assistant manager Phil Neville says French youngster can be 'unplayable'

"He has strength, pace, everything you could look for," says Neville

Monaco forward Anthony Martial is on the verge of joining Manchester United (Getty Images)

Phil Neville believes Manchester United may have captured a real talent in Anthony Martial.

The Valencia assistant manager and former United player recently came up against Martial in his club's Champions League play-off tie against Monaco.

"He was unplayable at times," Neville said. "He has strength, pace, everything you could look for."

"He kept drifting out to the left and causing us problems. Every time he got the ball your heart was in your mouth."

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal is understood to have been an admirer of the French youngster for some time and stepped up his interest after Monaco were knocked out by Neville's Valencia last week.

Should the 19-year-old forward complete a medical in Manchester today, he could become the most expensive teenager in the history of world football.

The agreement between the two clubs is worth an initial £36.3m, but could rise to £58m if Martial reaches certain performance-based targets.

"He’s a proper signing," Neville added. "I think he’s a better bet than spending the same on Edinson Cavani or someone similar."

Martial, who received his first call-up to the French national team last week, was the top scorer under 20 in Europe's five major leagues last season.

He also played a key part in Monaco's surprising 3-1 victory over Arsenal at the Emirates last February, a result which ultimately knocked the Gunners out of Europe's premier competition.