Marcus Rashford: Where could Manchester United striker go amid strong links with AC Milan and Barcelona?

Marcus Rashford's brother and agent Dwaine Maynard is set to engage Manchester United over potential proposals for the forward's exit after offering the player to multiple European clubs in recent weeks.

AC Milan have been the most pronounced about their interest in loaning Rashford until the end of the season on the proviso that a large portion of his wages are covered by United.

Some sources in Manchester believe Barcelona are the 27-year-old's favoured destination, with a switch there explored by his camp in the past, and there has been a drive to make a potential deal work.

The Catalan club have resolved their financial dilemma, with president Joan Laporta declaring: "We've returned to the 1:1 rule, which allows us to sign players normally and register Dani Olmo and Pau Victor."

Barca would still need to generate wiggle room to accommodate a new signing and Ansu Fati is expected to be made available for transfer, while Ronald Araujo's future is uncertain amid a push from Juventus.

There could also be a helping hand from Saudi Pro League clubs, who met with Deco to discuss the possibility of luring players from Camp Nou.

Both Milan and Barca have star performers operating in Rashford's favoured position off the left but the latter are more flexible with Raphinha, who can play through the middle and the right, than the Italians are with Rafael Leao.

There is also sentiment that Laporta wants to make an eye-catching move after what he described as an "apocalyptic narrative" and "many attempts from outside to destabilise" Barca.

Borussia Dortmund have currently distanced themselves from a potential deal, with Rashford said not to have been head coach Nuri Sahin's preferred target, according to Sky Germany. His cost, even subsidised, has been flagged as above their means.

Juventus meanwhile have prioritised landing Randal Kolo Muani from Paris Saint-Germain. United, Milan and Tottenham have also made enquiries for the France international and clubs are predicting a domino effect with forwards in this window.

The market, according to one executive, has "surprisingly opened up favourably for Marcus to get his new challenge, from a loan perspective anyway."

United are awaiting formal offers for Rashford and are understood to be keen to mitigate for how much of his wages they subsidise by introducing performance and appearance-linked clauses to any deal.

Sky Italy have described Wednesday as a "decisive day" in ascertaining Rashford's future, with Milan considering Barca as their "main opponent in this race for the attacker".

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