Monaco Reject $29M Bid, Ask Man Utd To Make 'Martial-Like Offer' To Sign Defender: Report

Monaco have reportedly turned down Manchester United’s bid for defender Benoit Badiashile at the ongoing summer transfer window.

Badiashile is considered among the promising center-backs at present and has been previously linked with a move to Old Trafford. The 19-year-old, who has made 41 competitive appearances for Monaco so far, continues to be a part of the French side. The defender scored in Monaco’s opening Ligue 1 fixture of the 2020-21 season last week to help his side draw 2-2 against Reims.

It is understood that Monaco coach Niko Kovac wants to retain the teenager and has asked the club chiefs to turn down all bids for the player. Badiashile signed a new deal with Monaco in December to keep him on the French side until the summer of 2024.

According to Mohamed Bouhafsi, soccer correspondent at French media outlet RMC Sport, Monaco have turned down Man Utd’s $29 million bid for Badiashile at the ongoing summer market. The Ligue 1 side has made it clear that Badiashile is not for sale unless "Manchester United make a Martial-like, unrefutable bid for him."

Man Utd signed a 19-year-old Martial from Monaco for $47 million in the summer of 2015 on a four-year contract with the option of another year. The fee was expected to rise to $76 million that turned out to be the highest fee paid for a teenager. After four seasons, where Martial played decently, the Frenchman finally flourished under the management of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer during the 2019-20 season. In 48 matches, across all competitions, Martial netted 23 goals and also played a crucial role in Man Utd’s third-place finish in the Premier League.

Badiashile, who has played been a regular face in France’s youth teams, currently plays for their Under-19 side. If he does move to Man Utd this summer, he is expected to partner club captain Harry Maguire in the center of The Red Devils’ defense.

Man Utd will have to take a call soon as Badiashile has a series of clubs chasing him ahead of the 2020-21 season, including Real Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, and Chelsea.