Marcus Rashford's representatives have held initial talks with AC Milan over a possible loan move for the Manchester United forward, with a potential replacement already planned.
Rashford's future at Old Trafford remains uncertain as the player has not received much game time in recent weeks after being left out of several matchday squads. Rashford himself also claimed he was ready for a “new challenge” as he spoke out about his situation.
A move abroad is most likely a result of United being reluctant to hand Rashford to a domestic rival. Dwaine Maynard, the player's brother and agent, flew to Milan on Tuesday to hold talks with those heading up recruitment in Serie A. Milan's senior executive team returned from Riyadh after claiming the Italian Super Cup.
Milan are well stocked in the forwards and their leading player, Rafael Leao, plays from the left, which is Rashford's preferred position. Christian Pulisic is one of their wider options, meaning the United man will still face serious competition.
The 27-year-old currently earns more than £300,000 a week and Milan would need the Premier League giants to heavily subsidize his wages before a deal could be agreed.
That will likely be the case for the majority of candidates, with those across Europe without the financial clout of Manchester City looking to cut their own wage bill.
The Athletic has reported that Borussia Dortmund are also interested in potentially signing Rashford until the end of the season. The Bundesliga side bought Jadon Sancho on loan 12 months ago and helped the winger revive his career after being left out in the cold at United.
Juventus are also considering a move to recruit the England international, but they have also attracted interest in Joshua Zirkzee, who played under their manager Thiago Motta when the pair were in Bologna.
United, meanwhile, are looking to strengthen their attacking options, with Ruben Amorim reportedly targeting a move from PSG striker Randal Kolo Muani. The 26-year-old was a mega-money signing for the French giants but has failed to reach the heights since his move from Eintracht Frankfurt in 2023.
He could be loaned out this month, meaning United could make a move for the France international regardless of whether a permanent move is sealed this month.
Rashford missed Sunday's draw against Liverpool through illness and was on the bench for the final match of 2024, a home defeat to Newcastle, but failed to take the field. His last start was against Everton on December 1.
Last month, in an interview with journalist Henry Winter, he not only stated that he was ready for a new challenge and to take the next steps, but also emphasized that there was still plenty to look forward to in his career.
“I'm halfway through my career,” he explained. “I don't expect my peak to be now. I have played in the Premier League for nine years so far and it has taught me a lot, it has helped me grow as a player and as a person. So I have no regrets about the past nine years. “
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