The Frenchman opted to join Manchester United in a £36m deal which made him the most expensive teenager in history.

The Manchester Evening News follow up on claims made earlier this week by Monaco's vice-president Vadim Vasilyev.

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He revealed that another club had actually outbid United for the 19-year-old and MEN say that club was Chelsea.

THEATRE OF DREAMS: Anthony Martial always wanted to join United
REVELATIONS: Vadim Vasilyev admitted Monaco had a better offer from elsewhere

Jose Mourinho was looking to sign Martial before the window closed on September 2 but intended to allow him to remain at Monaco for another 12 months before bringing him across the channel.

It has turned out to be a blunder as Martial has hit the ground running in the English game.

He's already racked up four goals in six games including a memorable goal on debut against United's bitter-rivals Liverpool.

Earlier this week Vasilyev said: "There was another club that offered even more than United.

PLEASED AS PUNCH: Louis van Gaal convinced Martial to join the Red Devils
REMEMBER THE NAME: Martial nets on debut against Liverpool

"I will not say how much, but the fixed price, without variables, it was even better.

|And also they offered us to have him for a further year in Monaco.

"But the boy wanted to go to Manchester, it was his dream. And we let him go with the bonus of £22.2m.

"Had it not been for so much money, he’d have stayed."

Martial's fee could rise as high as £58m is certain criteria are met.