As much as Manchester United fans hate to read about it, Anthony Martial to Juventus is continuing to pick up pace in Italy, specifically with Gazzetta dello Sport.

On Tuesday, the Italian newspaper have a lengthy article on the Frenchman’s situation at Old Trafford, and what appeared to be a mere rumour at first appears to be veering towards a cold reality: the 22-year-old could very well leave.

With so many outlets reporting the story, it’s becoming harder for supporters to (perhaps in more hope than anything else) dismiss it as agent tactics for a new contract.

Gazzetta reveal that Martial’s entourage are very aware of Juventus’ interest in the Manchester United forward, with contacts having ‘accelerated’ recently.

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However, there is one big obstacle for the Serie A leaders, and it’s called Bayern Munich.

The Italian outlet state the Bundesliga champions appear to be ahead of Juventus in the race, being ‘in the lead’, able to offer him both more money and being the heir to either side of the attack, with both Arjen Robben and Frank Ribery edging closer to retirement.

With a contract running out until 2019, if there’s no renewal soon then all Manchester United will have as protection is there power to extend by a further year. With no new contract, the club may be minded to sell this summer.

It would most likely be a very big mistake, one similar to what happened with Pogba all those years ago.

There’s a feeling Ed Woodward probably knows that, and that’s the only bit of hope Manchester United fans have to cling onto these days.