Frustrated Martial has been informed he can head for the Old Trafford exit door, but only for the right club and the right price.
Manchester United are refusing to do business with a Premier League rival, even if they are prepared to go above and beyond the £70m price tag United have slapped on the France international.
Reports in Germany claim Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund have joined Chelsea and Tottenham in showing interest in securing Martial’s services before the transfer window closes.
Jose Mourinho, who was initially opposed to Martial leaving United, has accepted his eagerness to call time on his stint in Manchester after three years, with the forward going in search of a fresh challenge.
Jose Mourinho is all too aware there is no value in keeping an unhappy player, but United will ensure Martial only leaves on their terms and will demand a minimum of £70m for him.
The United boss warned members of his squad that they cannot expect to simply quit Old Trafford, when asked about Martial’s future on Sunday night.
“I would like to be in Los Angeles now and I am in San Jose,” said Mourinho after the 0-0 pre-season friendly draw with San Jose Earthquakes.
“You can’t do whatever you want in life. I would love to arrive in LA, to train in LA and play all my five matches in LA, and then don’t travel, don’t change hotel and then go back to Manchester.
“I would like to play [United’s opening Premier League fixture] against Leicester on Sunday, but I have to play on Friday. So you don’t get always in life what you want.”
United are set to use the time they have left before August 9’s transfer deadline to find a replacement for Martial.
Gareth Bale, Willian and Ivan Perisic are all thought to be in Mourinho’s crosshairs as he seeks to add an experienced winger to his ranks.
Mourinho would also like to buy a new centre-back as he continues the overhaul of the defence he inherited from Louis van Gaal.
United have considered deals for Toby Alderweireld, Leonardo Bonucci and Marquinhos, while Harry Maguire has emerged as a potential target.
Maguire has forged a reputation as one of the Premier League’s best ball-playing defenders during his time at Hull and Leicester.
But Leicester will be in no mood to sell on the cheap in the wake of the 25-year-old’s stellar performances for England at the World Cup.
Mourinho was keen to sign a left-back at the start of the summer but now appears likely to stick with Ashley Young and Luke Shaw.