Serie A titans Juventus have held discussions with Manchester United over a potential move for struggling forward Anthony Martial, though they are yet to actually lodge a formal offer.
Italian outlet Tuttosport report that Juventus are planning on taking their time before the January transfer window officially opens to assess their options and identify their ideal striking candidate.
Martial has arguably underwhelmed at Old Trafford and his United career has seemingly hit yet another low under new interim boss Ralf Rangnick, who appears to have deemed the Frenchman surplus to requirements.
The 26-year-old has featured seven times for the Red Devils in the Premier League so far this season, scoring just once at home to Everton in early October.
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Martial is yet to play at all under new boss Rangnick, though that is due to injury and fixtures being postponed rather than being overlooked by the German.
Given the wealth of attacking options Rangnick has at his disposal in the form of summer additions Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho, as well as the likes of Edinson Cavani and Marcus Rashford, Martial could find first team minutes hard to come by even when he returns to full fitness.
The France international's desire to leave is no secret, with Martial's agent confirming earlier this month his client would look to call time on his Old Trafford stay.
According to Martial's representative, the desire to leave stems from a lack of playing time at United, something the club are understanding of and therefore willing to sanction his exit.
Juventus are intent on adding a forward to their squad in January as a means of bolstering their attack, with Martial's name one of many on a transfer shortlist.
While Italian media claim talks have taken place between the two clubs, Juventus' hesitancy in lodging a bid comes from two key factors.
The first is whether Massimiliano Allegri's side can hold out for a better player, Arsenal's former captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is one name that has been mentioned often.
The second is caution over whether Martial has the 'characteristics of a top player' and a 'strong sense of goal' - this season's statistics would make for damning reading in that instance.
Martial's future also hinges heavily on whether fellow United forward Edinson Cavani will leave in January - the Old Trafford hierarchy are only willing to let one of them depart in the same window.
Juventus are keen admirers of the Uruguayan international too, who has the added advantage of Serie A experience dating back from his time as Napoli's leading marksman.
