The Sun journalist Tom Barclay is excited by the prospect of Anthony Martial joining Crystal Palace when the transfer window reopens in January, although he accepts a deal may be unlikely.

Spanish media outlet Fichajes have reported that Manchester United striker Martial has emerged as a target for Eagles boss Patrick Vieira.

What's the latest news involving Martial?

It appears as though Martial's long-term future may lie away from Old Trafford as he has fallen out of favour under boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, with him being restricted to just two Premier League starts this season.

Martial has fallen down the pecking order following the high-profile return of Cristiano Ronaldo on transfer deadline day and he has only found the back of the net once since the campaign got underway.

The 25-year-old's wife hit out at Solskjaer last week, taking to social media to confirm Martial is not injured despite the Red Devils manager's previous claims.

Martial's lack of action has led to interest from Palace and other Premier League rivals, with the frontman being one of four Old Trafford stars - which also includes Donny van de Beek, Jesse Lingard and Eric Bailly - understood to be on Newcastle United's radar.

France international Martial, who has won 30 caps, has been on Manchester United's books for six years.

He became the world's most expensive teenage footballer when the Red Devils clinched Martial's signing from Monaco, forking out an initial £36million which could rise to £58million.

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What has Tom Barclay said about Martial?

Barclay believes Martial joining Palace is a mouthwatering prospect, with the journalist being bowled over by the frontman's quality.

He feels Martial needs to seek a move away from Old Trafford to reignite his career.

Barclay told GIVEMESPORT: "He's a top player. Imagine if Palace did actually sign him.

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"I think Martial will probably leave Manchester United, go to a club which is a bit further down the pecking order but play regularly and be fantastic.

"He's a France international and does play, albeit not all the time. He has played of late in a France team that has got so many options. He is a wonderful player."

Is it likely that Palace could pull off a deal?

Martial is closing in on 100 club goals, so it is clear that he would be a huge coup for Palace manager Vieira.

The Eagles already have four strikers on their books - in the form of Odsonne Edouard, Christian Benteke, Jordan Ayew and Jean-Philippe Mateta - but Martial's quality would give the Selhurst Park club an even bigger threat.

However, Martial's wage demands are likely to be a stumbling block in any potential move to Palace as he currently earns £250,000-per-week.

The Eagles would have to smash their wage structure to get anywhere near that figure as the club's highest paid player, Wilfried Zaha, pockets £130,000-per-week.

Read More - January Transfer Window 2022: When does it open, when does it close and which players are going to move?