Manchester United star Marcus Rashford must decide today whether to join AC Milan after being set a deadline by the Serie A club.
The 27-year-old is widely expected to leave Old Trafford this month after stating in a bombshell interview in December that he wanted a new challenge, with boss Ruben Amorim not featuring him in a match since December 12.
AC Milan have emerged as one of the main favorites to sign Rashford on loan, with the player's representatives holding talks with the Italian club, although Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona are also interested in a move.
Rashford has taken his time with the decision and is keen to do well at a difficult time for him at United, although Milan president Paolo Scaroni is believed to be running out of patience over the move.
And as reported by the Star, Scaroni and Milan chiefs have increased the pressure on Rashford, telling him he has until today to make a decision before they move on to other targets.
Any club that agrees to sign Rashford will be reluctant to pay all of his £350,000 weekly wages, and they will likely rely on United to pay at least some of that.
It is unclear how Barcelona could afford Rashford given their well-documented financial problems. The club is already struggling to register Dani Olmo and will only receive a temporary registration for the Spaniard.
With few clubs having the financial power to pay Rashford's wages, a move to the Saudi Pro League has been mooted, although it is understood the England international has no interest in playing in the Middle East. Instead, Rashford wants to remain at the highest competitive level in Europe to ensure he has a chance of being selected in Thomas Tuchel's England squad in the coming months.
Rashford has not been selected in the last three matchday squads. His last appearance on the bench was a 2–0 home defeat to Newcastle in which he did not play.
His future still looks bleak and boss Amorim has remained coy about what will happen to the forward.
“I don't know, we'll see. He's a Manchester United player. We'll see,” Amorim said. “He has to work. He has to represent this club and he loves this club, but I have to make choices.” [I] already talked about how I make the choices. So it is what it is. So let's continue. Let's look at the next game. And like I said, I have to make a selection.”
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