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Paris Saint-Germain 'identify Marcus Rashford as leading target to replace Kylian Mbappe'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 18 February 2024

PSG 'identify Rashford as leading target to replace Mbappe'

Paris Saint-Germain identify Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford as their leading target to replace Kylian Mbappe this summer, according to a report.

Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly identified Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford as their leading target to replace Kylian Mbappe during this summer's transfer window.

Mbappe informed PSG last week that he will be leaving the club this summer on a free transfer, and he is widely expected to make the move to Real Madrid.

PSG will therefore be in the market for a replacement, and the French outfit have been linked with a number of players thus far, including AC Milan's Rafael Leao and Napoli's Victor Osimhen.

According to The Times, the French champions have placed Rashford at the top of their list, with the French outfit having a long-standing interest in his services.

The report claims that PSG's football adviser Luis Campos is keen on a deal for Rashford, who has struggled to show his best form for Man United during the 2023-24 campaign.

Manchester United's Marcus Rashford celebrates scoring against Wolverhampton Wanderers on February 1, 2024 © Reuters

The 26-year-old has only managed five goals and six assists in 29 appearances for Man United during the 2023-24 campaign, with his numbers significantly down from last season.

Rashford signed a new long-term deal with the Red Devils last summer, but he has also had off-the-pitch issues this term, and there have been question marks over his general happiness at the club.

The striker is not thought to have any plans to leave the 20-time English champions but may believe that a change of scenery this summer is the best solution to reignite his career.

PSG have had a long-term interest in Rashford, having also been linked with him during Erik ten Hag's first transfer window as head coach in the summer of 2022.

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford on December 2, 2023 © Reuters

Rashford has managed five goals and three assists in the Premier League this season, while he provided two assists in four outings in the group stage of the Champions League.

PSG will allegedly have as much as £171m to spend on a rebuild this summer, but the club also want to boost their squad elsewhere rather than simply bring in a replacement for Mbappe.

There has not yet been any communication from Mbappe over his next move, but it widely thought that he will complete a long-anticipated switch to Real Madrid.

Arsenal, Liverpool and Man United have all recently played down their chances of signing him this summer, while a switch to Manchester City is also thought to be unlikely despite suggestions that the club have held discussions with Mbappe's camp over a possible move.