Following his remarkable impact in the Premier League, it has been revealed that Anthony Martial could have been a top-flight player almost two years ago had Everton got their man in early 2014.
As Roberto Martinez scouted Europe to bring in a forward on loan, he stumbled on Martial at Monaco, with the teenager reportedly very keen to make the move to Merseyside.
The Frenchman was eager to play first-team football to help him eventually break into the Monaco first XI, and was watched on a number of occasions by Everton scout Kevin Reeves.
However, the Ligue 1 side blocked the move due to Martial being so young, and instead loaned the Toffees Lacina Traore.
Traore barely kicked a ball after being injured shortly after he arrived, and Everton – who face United on Saturday –Â were left to rue a major missed opportunity when the striker ended up at Old Trafford.
