Anthony Martial close to Malaga move after turning down €10m Libya offer

Anthony Martial is close to joining Spanish club Malaga after rejecting a lucrative proposal from Libyan side Al-Ittihad, according to Foot Mercato.

The 30-year-old former Manchester United forward is currently a free agent after ending his contract with Mexican club Monterrey. He is now considering a new challenge in an attempt to regain his form and revive his career.

Martial turned down two approaches from clubs in France before moving closer to a return to European football with Malaga. The Spanish side were recently promoted to the top flight and currently sit 18th in the league table, with three points from their opening five matches.

Interest in Martial extended beyond Europe. Al-Ittihad, who recently signed Moroccan winger Sofiane Boufal, made a significant effort to persuade the Frenchman to move to Libya.

Reports say the Libyan club offered Martial a net salary of €10m over two years, along with a €5m signing-on bonus. The striker rejected the proposal, choosing instead to continue his career in Europe.

Martial spent the most recent period of his career with Monterrey, scoring once and providing three assists in 20 appearances for the Mexican club before becoming available as a free agent.

He has previous experience in the Spanish league, having played for Sevilla on loan from Manchester United.