AC Milan are reportedly "serious" about Marcus Rashford, with the Italian giants seemingly the best-placed club when it comes to the race to sign the Manchester United attacker during the January transfer window.
Man United are willing to let Rashford leave this month due to his ongoing difficulties, with the 27-year-old currently being overlooked by Red Devils head coach Ruben Amorim due to his underwhelming training performances.
Rashford has not played for the 20-time English champions since December 12, and he expressed a desire to seek "a new challenge" after being left out for the Manchester derby in the middle of last month.
The forward is available for Sunday's FA Cup clash against Arsenal following a recent illness, but he could again be left out of the squad by Amorim amid the ongoing speculation surrounding his future.
It had initially been thought that Man United were looking for a straight sale, or at the very least a loan deal with an option to make the move permanent at the end of the 2024-25 campaign.
However, according to journalist Ben Jacobs, a straight loan is now being discussed with interested parties, and Italian giants AC Milan are said to be "serious" about signing the Red Devils academy product.
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AC Milan 'lead the race' for Man United attacker Rashford
Borussia Dortmund and Juventus have also been linked with the forward, while West Ham United, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are among the Premier League clubs to be credited with an interest.
"Milan are serious about Marcus Rashford, especially now knowing #MUFC are open to a straight loan or loan with option. Dortmund and Juventus two other clubs across the situation," Jacobs posted on his official X account.
"West Ham could also advance on Rashford but currently sense if he leaves Old Trafford, he'll go abroad. Arsenal links still firmly downplayed by sources."
Rashford's agent and brother is said to have met with officials from both AC Milan and Juventus earlier this week to discuss the possibility of the forward making the move to Serie A for the second half of the season.
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Has Rashford played his last game for Man United?
Rashford is Man United's joint-leading goalscorer this season despite his recent absence, finding the back of the net on seven occasions in 24 appearances, with only Alejandro Garnacho, who is also out of favour, netting more.
Amorim has said that the forward is available against Arsenal, but it would be a surprise to see him involved, as he was only selected in the squad against Newcastle United when both Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte were banned.
Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw and Mason Mount are Man United's only confirmed absentees for this weekend's clash, so he could again be overlooked ahead of a potential departure.
A January exit looks to be the best outcome for both parties, with Rashford in need of a fresh start, and at this moment in time, it does appear that he could make the move to Serie A in the not too distant future.
Matt Law
