Bayern Munich have an appreciation for Manchester United winger Marcus Rashford but are not exploring a move, according to reputed journalist Fabrizio Romano.
The German champions were keen on landing Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United this summer, but the Englishman chose to join Barcelona instead for £70 million.
Bayern have since looked into a deal for PSV Eindhoven forward Ismael Saibari, but they have also been linked with Rashford, who had a fine season on loan with the Blaugrana.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano has now clarified that there were ‘some calls’ made from Bayern in recent weeks to understand Rashford’s current situation at United.
However, Bayern are more focused on landing Saibari, who has different technical skills, while the overall financial package in terms of salary and transfer fee is ‘way less’ for the Moroccan.
While there is ‘appreciation’ for Rashford, he is not Bayern’s first-choice target.
Romano said: “Some of you are asking me if Bayern is a possibility. My understanding is that there were some calls from Bayern in the past two to three weeks to understand the situation of Marcus Rashford.
“So, asking in general, if Rashford could be an option, but at the moment, Bayern are more oriented towards a different kind of player. For example, Saibari.
“Saibari is, obviously, in terms of technical skills different from Rashford, but in terms of salary, in terms of cost of the deal, is way less compared to what Bayern should spend in order to sign Marcus Rashford.
“So, it’s a completely different kind of deal, and that’s why the situation with Rashford and Bayern is appreciation, yes.
“There are some people at Bayern appreciating Rashford, but at the moment, no negotiation, no bid, and the focus at Bayern is on different players.
“So, let’s say that Rashford in this moment is not the first choice at Bayern.”
Rashford is more likely to return to Barcelona
The England international had a fine campaign with Barcelona on loan. He notched up 14 goals and 14 assists from 49 appearances in all competitions.
Despite his top season, the Catalan giants opted to sign Gordon to bolster the left wing, but they have not ended their pursuit of him.
Barcelona have the option to buy Rashford by triggering a £26 million clause by June 15, but that appears unlikely at the current point.
Hansi Flick’s side plan to recruit a marquee striker before returning for Rashford later this summer.
United appear prepared to ‘compromise’ and negotiate fresh terms with the Blaugrana. A similar transfer fee could be agreed with a long-term payment plan.
We won’t be surprised if Rashford rejoins on loan with a buy obligation next summer.
Bayern don’t seem interested in pursuing a deal, but Rashford’s stance could ultimately decide his future.
Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa have made enquiries for the 28-year-old, but he has no desire to entertain offers from the Premier League trio.
He has made up his mind to rejoin Barcelona for next season and beyond.
Stats from Transfermarkt