Marcus Rashford's wages have all but ruled out a move from Borussia Dortmund for the Manchester United star, it has been claimed.
Dortmund are one of a handful of clubs linked with the England international, who has indicated he is open to a new challenge. The German club hired Jadon Sancho from United last season, with the Premier League club accounting for roughly a third of his wages, but Rashford earns even more than his compatriot.
Former United boss Erik ten Hag has been linked with the manager's vacancy at Signal Iduna Park, with Nuri Sahin sacked after a defeat to Bologna undermined Dortmund's hopes of a top eight finish at the Champions League stage harmed. However, reports indicate that the current obstacle remains an issue regardless of who is in the dugout.
There is also interest in Rashford from France and Italy as the forward assesses his options. However, Barcelona are believed to be the player's preferred choice, with the Catalan club appearing to be the best – if not the only – option for a move away from Old Trafford this month.
According to The Mail, United have pushed for a deal similar to the one that brought Sancho to Germany last year. That would have meant loan fees and performance-related bonuses, but Rashford's £350,000-a-week pay package would remain the main obstacle – although things could change closer to the deadline.
Dortmund have also been linked with Brentford's Kevin Schade, who is four years younger than Rashford. The Germany international is reported to cost around £45 million, although his wages are said to be significantly lower.
Although there has been cautious Rashford interest from Ligue 1 clubs Monaco and Marseille, the links with Barcelona appear more concrete. The player's representatives are believed to have met with Barca figures in Lisbon on Tuesday, ahead of the Catalan side's dramatic Champions League victory over Benfica.
While Barcelona remain interested, their own situation is complicated by La Liga wage rules. They are expected to have to sell before they can expand their squad, with reports on the continent suggesting former Manchester United target Ansu Fati is among those in contention to leave.
Rashford has not played for Manchester United since mid-December, although he was an unused substitute for the defeat to Newcastle just before the turn of the year. However, he was spotted during training ahead of Thursday's Europa League match against Rangers and could still remain part of Ruben Amorim's squad for the rest of the season.
Ahead of the match, head coach Amorim called on his team to start on the front foot after a defeat to Brighton on Sunday compounded their Premier League woes. “We need the first thing, in my mind they can't score,” he said. “We have to score the first and if we score the first that would change.” [things] and we would play better at home in the beginning.
“It is and I think we are very clear that we play anxiously, especially at home, and when we face goals it is really difficult. I think it is clear to everyone that it is becoming increasingly difficult to play at Old Trafford.”
The official program cover for Manchester United v Rangers has been unveiled and pays tribute to 'The King', Denis Law. In addition to the cover, there will also be special features inside dedicated to the Manchester United and Scotland legend. Copies will be available at Old Trafford on match day or online.
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