AC Milan have decided not to sign Marcus Rashford after talks with representatives of the willing Manchester United striker.
Instead, the Rossoneri are prioritizing a move for Manchester City and England defender Kyle Walker. The Italian team only has one spot for a non-EU player in their squad. That means that since Brexit caused Britain to leave the European Union, it's been a case of Rashford OR Walker this month.
Rashford's agent, his brother Dane, has been in Milan this week for talks with club officials, and one of them, former United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, was keen to get a deal done. But Rashford's £350,000-a-week salary has always been an issue and a move became even more complicated this week when Noah Okafor's move to RB Leipzig – potentially worth £21million – fell through due to injury.
There have also been suggestions that Milan were only his second choice this month, with a dream move to Barcelona the 27-year-old's priority. Whether that is even possible, given the Catalan giant's own financial situation, is another matter.
United have already given Rashford the green light to request a transfer this month, after the player expressed his desire for a new challenge last month. Another Italian team, Napoli, are pursuing his United team-mate Alejandro Garnacho and have seen a £40m bid rejected.
With Milan pulling out of a move for Rashford, the way remains clear for experienced City defender Walker to make the move to San Siro, while the Italian side's top brass have opted to press ahead with a move for the 34-year-old year old.
Pep Guardiola announced on Saturday evening that the right back wants to retire from The Etihad this month. And with Walker looking to pursue a move abroad, Milan are believed to be in pole position to sign the England star.
It is understood that Milan and Walker have already agreed on personal terms. The Italian club are hoping City will not demand a transfer fee, potentially terminating Walker's contract with Etihad and allowing him to move to Italy for free after eight trophy-laden years in Manchester.
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