Monaco vice president’s comments on Anthony Martial suggest he was a panic buy

Ed Woodward doesn't take 'No' for an answer, unless your name is Sergio Ramos, Nicolas Otamendi, Mats Hummels, Pedro, Ilkay Gundogan, Robert Lewandowski...

Manchester United have been accused of being caught up in a spot of panic buying this week. No, not over Regan Poole [Newport's defensive prospect, who cost £400,000], but their new €50m striker, Anthony Martial. United have promised to stump up £36m to Monaco for Martial and will pay him a further £22m [€30m] in add-ons if he hits certain performance related targets. It turns out that 'panic buy' theory was correct, especially if you are to go by the comments of Monaco vice president Vasim Valiyev. He says United first came in with a bid of £21.6m [€29.5m] for Martial, last week. Each 'non' was met with an increased offer, particularly as Louis van Gaal was plotting to turf out striker Javier Hernandez and attacking midfielder Adnan Januzaj [on loan to Borussia Dortmund]. Vailyev commented, 'It’s true that the price for Martial is £57.6m but take into account this sum includes bonuses which are very realistic. 'Initially Martial was not for sale, it was absolutely not planned. 'Since last week United started to make offers which we declined several times – £21.6m, £28.8m, £36m, even £50.4m with bonuses.' The vice president continues, 'On Sunday, the player got such an offer that he couldn’t have declined. He asked us to find a solution and on Monday morning Manchester United made an offer to Monaco which the club couldn’t refuse. 'It’s absolutely unique. 'Its the price of Luis Suarez or Neymar – the best players in the world. 'Right now English football is on a different financial level and if Manchester United decides to buy somebody, it’s very hard to stop them.' [Hat-tip: The Sun]