Conte refuses to comment on Martial link

Antonio Conte has refused to be drawn on whether Manchester United forward Anthony Martial is a target for Chelsea.

Martial has this this week been linked with a potential move to Stamford Bridge amid speculation over the Frenchman’s future.

However, Chelsea boss Conte has consistently refused to comment on transfer speculation and he gave nothing away when asked about Martial at a media conference on Friday afternoon.

Conte: “I think this is not the right moment to speak about this.

“As you know very well, I don’t like to talk about players of other teams. It is disrespectful for the player, my players and the clubs.

“Our focus is on finishing the season in the best possible way.”

Conte also insisted he was not consulted over the sale of Mohamed Salah in August 2016 and could not be held responsible for Chelsea allowing Liverpool’s 43-goal forward to leave.

Salah has thrived since returning to the Premier League with Liverpool last summer. The Reds are Chelsea’s opponents at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

“No-one asked me about him. I don’t want to take this responsibility – if I do I’m in trouble,” Conte joked.

He added: “It would be very difficult to predict this type of season for Salah.

“We’re talking about a player with specific characteristics, good technique, very fast.

“Every opportunity, every chance he has he’s very good to take the chance. Very clinical.”