Club legend has reached out to his contacts to facilitate big-money move for United star keen on exit – The Athletic

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has reportedly reached out to his contacts in Saudi Arabia to inform them of Marcus Rashford’s availability.

Rashford has dominated headlines over the past few days, amidst suggestions that United are finally prepared to sell him.

It’s understood that United were open to receiving offers for him during the summer transfer window and this remains the case even as January approaches.

Rashford – who is struggling for form this season – has seemingly failed to impress new head coach Ruben Amorim and there is an acceptance that his time at Old Trafford is finally up.

The England international and teammate Alejandro Garnacho were left out of the matchday squad that beat Manchester City 2-1 at the Etihad last weekend.

Amorim insisted that the pair’s axing was down to their failure to meet his standards across a number of key areas.

On Tuesday, Rashford spoke to journalist Henry Winter and revealed that he is open to leaving United in search of a fresh challenge.

A number of possible destinations have been suggested including Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona and the Saudi Pro League.

However, it’s understood that Rashford’s options are limited due to a number of reasons including his hefty wages and poor form over the past few months.

According to The Athletic, PSG have “significantly cooled” their interest in Rashford. Barcelona can’t afford him and clubs in Italy do not consider him an ideal alternative.

The newspaper explains that Saudi Arabia is on the cards for Rashford and Ferdinand has already reached out to help facilitate such a transfer.

“A move to Turkey or Major League Soccer would perhaps be seen as premature for a 27-year-old of his ability and there are doubts over whether clubs in either could match Rashford’s salary.”

“Perhaps the only league where a move makes sense from that perspective is the Saudi Pro League. Rio Ferdinand, the former United defender, has alerted contacts in the Saudi Pro League to Rashford’s availability.”

“In his role as ambassador for the New Era Global Sports agency, Ferdinand has provided positive character references about Rashford.”

“People briefed on the matter in the Gulf state say Saudi clubs are being more selective in the players they target, however, and believing the stock of English talent has fallen, do not expect a market to emerge for Rashford for the time being.”

A previous report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that United want £40million. However, Mark Critchley says that sources have played down such claims.