Newcastle told it will take ‘huge package’ to lure Martial after £6m January fee reveal – pundit
A Newcastle swoop for Man United striker Anthony Martial would carry a “certain degree of risk”, according to Alan Hutton.
The former Scotland defender, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, questioned whether the 26-year-old would be “invested” in the Magpies’ relegation scrap.
According to The Sun last Friday (18 December), Newcastle are ready to give Man United a £6million loan fee in January in order to bring Martial to St James’ Park for the remainder of the season.
The report claims the Magpies are also exploring the possibility of bringing Inter Milan striker Edin Dzeko to the club.
Newcastle are hoping they can secure a permanent deal for Martial if they can confirm their Premier League status this term.
Hutton insisted the signing of Martial would have “more longevity” than bringing Dzeko in, but expressed concerns about the striker’s hunger.
“There’s more longevity in signing Martial as opposed to Edin Dzeko, of course,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“But it would also be a huge financial package, and that comes with a certain degree of risk. I’ve watched Martial for years at Man United, and you can see the talent but you just want more from him.
“I just think sometimes you want him to run about and be aggressive because he’s got the pace and energy to do it. But for me, he just doesn’t do it enough.
“If you’re in that Newcastle hierarchy, making the decisions, are you willing to take that financial risk for someone you aren’t 100% sure will be invested in that relegation fight.
“It’ll be a difficult decision.”
Newcastle are 19th in the Premier League and have conceded the most goals of any side this term (41).
Martial hasn’t started a league game for Man United since the start of October.
In other news, Football Insider has been informed of a significant update on Newcastle’s bid to sign £22m star.