Anthony Martial has been given permission to leave France's national team camp to complete a move to Manchester United, the French Football Federation has announced.
Reports emerged on Sunday that United had made a £36m bid for the 19-year-old Monaco starlet, who has been likened to Arsenal legend Thierry Henry.
Now they look to be close to concluding a deal, with Martial on his way to England to finalise terms with Louis van Gaal's side.
"Anthony Martial asked France coach Didier Deschamps for permission to travel to England to sign a contract with Manchester United," an FFF statement read.
"Taking into account the exceptional circumstances, the manager allowed the player this request.
"Anthony left Clairefontaine on Monday at 12:00 local time. He'll return Tuesday morning."
Van Gaal is keen to add to his attacking options following Robin van Persie's move to Fenerbahce and having decided against turning Radamel Falcao's loan move into a permanent deal.
The Dutchman has been eyeing a host of big-name players, with Thomas Muller, Gareth Bale and Neymar all understood to be on his radar.
But with all of that trio looking out of reach, Van Gaal turned his attentions to Martial after his side slumped to a 2-1 defeat to Swansea on Sunday.
The £36m fee represents a huge outlay on a player who has scored just 10 league goals in his career, but Van Gaal sees him as the man to boost his attack.

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