Manchester United's English striker #10 Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford could leave Manchester United in January
Marcus Rashford is being chased by Saudi Arabian trio Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli and Al-Qadsiah, reports claim, after Manchester United reportedly greenlit an exit for the wantaway forward.
Rashford is set to dominate much of the transfer talk in January after giving a bombshell interview confirming his desire for a "new challenge" away from Old Trafford.
It came after boss Ruben Amorim left him out of the matchday squad entirely as his team-mates secured a 2-1 win over rivals Manchester City last week.
Rashford was also excluded from the United squad that travelled to London this week for a 4-3 defeat against Tottenham in the Carabao Cup and his future at Old Trafford now looks bleak to say the least.
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Saudi interest in Rashford was reported by the Telegraph earlier this week and now talkSport have specified three of the clubs who are eager to make a move.
The report says Al-Ahli - who boast stars like ex-Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino and former Brentford forward Ivan Toney - hold the most "concrete" interest, while Al-Qadsiah and Al-Ittihad have been eager to sign Rashford in the past and are monitoring the situation.
If Al-Ahli were to launch an official move for Rashford, they would have to sell one of their foreign stars due to Saudi Pro League regulations - although the club are reportedly willing to sell captain Firmino in January.
Ruben Amorim, Head Coach of Manchester United, speaks to Marcus Rashford of Manchester United as he prepares to enter the pitch as a substitute during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 match between Manchester United and FK Bodo/Glimt at Old Trafford on November 28, 2024 in Manchester, England.
Ruben Amorim has excluded Marcus Rashford from his current squad
It's believed Michael Emenalo - who once worked as a Chelsea sporting director and now heads up the Saudi top flight - will take the lead on negotiations on behalf of any interested clubs.
Rashford is said to prefer a move to a top European side but could indeed have his head turned by a lucrative offer from a Saudi outfit. The England star is earning a wage packet of £325,000-a-week at Old Trafford and few clubs would be able to afford his salary on top of an expected £40million transfer fee.
A loan move with an obligation to buy is therefore the most likely outcome that would suit all parties - before a permanent exit next summer.
Rashford confirmed his desire for a "new challenge" at the beginning of the week, saying: "For me, personally, I think I'm ready for a new challenge and the next steps. When I leave it's going to be 'no hard feelings'. You're not going to have any negative comments from me about Manchester United. That's me as a person."
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