Rashford ghosts front-runners for his signature as he sets his heart on a different club – report

After years of abject ownership by the Glazers, Manchester United are in a precarious position regarding their PSR situation, which is stopping them from going all gung-ho in the January window despite Ruben Amorim’s need for reinforcements.

The club is trying to move on high earners like Casemiro and Antony, but so far, no concrete approach has been made and their sales would do little to ease the club’s woes.

That is why INEOS are mulling over moving academy graduates on as their sales would represent pure profit. Marcus Rashford seems the favourite to depart this window after the Mancunian publicly revealed his desire for a new adventure.

There has been interest from all over the world but the England international does not wish to leave Europe for the riches of the Middle East and MLS and has already turned down numerous lucrative offers.

Rashford’s future to be decided this month

United’s new co-owners are unlikely to sanction an exit to a direct domestic rival with Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United among his suitors.

As per recent reports, AC Milan were in pole position with the United No 10 and his agent set for a meeting with the Rossoneri on Wednesday.

However, as revealed by SPORT, the Englishman’s dream destination is Barcelona, something Milan have figured out as well with the Catalan giants now looking favourites for his signature.

“Rashford has not wanted to respond to the offer made by Milan and, as confirmed by ‘La Gazzetta dello Sport’, the Italian club practically gives up on the signing due to the player’s desire to wear the Blaugrana.

“Milan were waiting for the meeting that Rashford’s brother and agent held in the last few hours with Manchester United to find out if they were the chosen ones by both the English club and the player to move forward with the loan.

Barca in pole position

“But there has been no response and in Italy it is very clear that Rashford wants to go to Barça and is willing to wait until the market closes despite United’s rush to get him off.”

Barca boss Hansi Flick is an admirer of the 27-year-old owing to his versatility with the United academy product capable of playing both on the wings and up front.

Now for either Rashford to reduce his wage demands or for United to subsidise his exit and the La Liga club are in business. They are in the midst of trying to free up their wage bill by agreeing to move a player on. Ansu Fati seems the favourite to make way for the English forward.

Hopefully, the loan exit will include a high buy clause so that United will not need to think about moving either of Alejandro Garnacho or Kobbie Mainoo on next time around.

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