Three Saudi Arabian clubs reportedly hold an interest in signing Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford following his bombshell interview stating his desire to leave.
Rashford shocked the footballing world when he announced earlier this week that he feels it is time to look elsewhere for a new challenge away from his boyhood club.
United boss Ruben Amorim dropped Rashford from the squad before the team's victory against Manchester City last Sunday, with the likes of Amad Diallo excelling in attack.
With the next generation of forwards seemingly ready to take over from Rashford, the Red Devils boss may feel it is in the best interests of all to move the attacker on.
talkSPORT report that Saudi Pro League sides Al Ahli, Al Ittihad and Al Quadisiya hold genuine interest in signing Rashford, with Al Ahli the most interested club.
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Transfer barriers for Rashford
While Saudi Pro League teams are by no means lacking financially and could theoretically afford Rashford's reported wages of more than £300,000 per week, it is fair to say that the division's sporting level falls far below other European leagues.
The 27-year-old forward should be entering his prime years, and with England having appointed Thomas Tuchel as national team boss, a transfer to the Saudi Pro League could negatively impact his chances of making the squad for the 2026 World Cup.
It should also be mentioned that Al Ahli would only be able to sign the attacker if they offloaded or deregistered a foreign player in order to avoid breaching Saudi Pro League registration rules.
However, very few teams in Europe would be able to pay Rashford anywhere near his current wage, and United may find it difficult to offload him considering his contract at Old Trafford is valid until 2028.
Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has stressed the importance of financial efficiency, and the prospect of keeping Rashford's contract on the books while not making use of him would be in direct opposition to this strategy.
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Who could use Rashford?
Though Rashford has shown inconsistency in recent seasons, former teammate Jadon Sancho has shown that it is possible to rediscover form, with the attacker impressing during his spell under Enzo Maresca at Chelsea.
One side that could potentially use with someone of Rashford's skill set is Arsenal, who could perhaps benefit by having genuine competition for winger Gabriel Martinelli considering the forward has struggled for some time in front of goal.
Son Heung-min might have scored for Tottenham Hotspur against Southampton on Monday, but given the 32-year-old's age, it would be sensible for Spurs to seek a longer-term replacement for their captain.
If a move to another Premier League team was unpalatable, then Paris Saint-Germain could be the Englishman's best move considering the French champions would undoubtedly be able to pay his wages, and they could also have a spot for him in their XI following Kylian Mbappe's departure to Real Madrid.
Rashford's stand-off with Amorim and United cannot go on for much longer, and with the January window just around the corner, it is imperative that a solution is found sooner rather than later.
Lewis Nolan
