Three clubs emerge as Rashford suitors as Man Utd green light January exit

Marcus Rashford is being pursued by Saudi Arabian trio Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli and Al-Qadsiah, reports claim, after Manchester United reportedly gave the green light to an exit for the willing striker.

Rashford will dominate much of the transfer talk in January after giving an impressive interview in which he confirmed his desire for a “new challenge” away from Old Trafford.

It came after boss Ruben Amorim left him out of the matchday squad entirely as his teammates secured a 2-1 win over rivals Manchester City last week.

Rashford was also left out of United's squad that traveled to London this week for a 4-3 defeat to Tottenham in the Carabao Cup and his future at Old Trafford now looks bleak to say the least.

The Saudi interest in Rashford was reported by the Telegraph earlier this week and now talkSport has named three of the clubs keen to make a move.

The report says that Al-Ahli – who boast stars such as ex-Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino and former Brentford striker Ivan Toney – have the most 'concrete' interest, while Al-Qadsiah and Al-Ittihad have been keen on Rashford in the past wanted to contract and are monitoring the situation.

If Al-Ahli were to launch an official transfer for Rashford, they would have to sell one of their foreign stars due to Saudi Pro League rules – although the club are reportedly willing to sell captain Firmino in January.

It is believed that Michael Emenalo – who once worked as Chelsea's sporting director and now heads the Saudi top flight – will take the lead in the negotiations on behalf of all interested clubs.

Rashford is said to prefer a move to a top European side, but he could indeed have his head turned by a lucrative offer from a Saudi team. The England star earns a wage package of £325,000 per week at Old Trafford and few clubs could afford his salary on top of the expected transfer fee of £40 million.

A loan transaction with an obligation to purchase is therefore the most likely outcome that would be beneficial to all parties – before a final exit next summer.

Rashford confirmed his desire for a 'new challenge' at the start of the week, saying: 'For me personally, I think I'm ready for a new challenge and the next steps. If I leave, it “won't be hard.” feelings'. You won't get any negative comments from me about Manchester United. That's me as a person.”