Manchester United could simply upgrade Marcus Rashford with Paris Saint-Germain striker Randal Kolo Muani if the Red Devils sell the England star next month.
Rashford, 27, has publicly admitted his desire for a new challenge and he has been left out of the squad by Ruben Amorim for the past three games.
As previously reported, Man Utd will sell Rashford in January if an offer of around £50m is made, but his £300,000-a-week salary may complicate the sale.
PSG and Barcelona are already out of the race for Rashford, but several clubs are said to be willing to sign him on loan if Man Utd agree to pay part of his salary, including Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce.
According to journalist Pete O’Rourke, Manchester United could sign PSG forward Kolo Muani as a possible replacement for Rashford.
“One of the other names to probably keep an eye on in January will be Randal Kolo Muani at PSG,” O’Rourke said on Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast. “He’s out of favour at the French club, they are ready to let him move on.
“Could you update Marcus Rashford at Old Trafford? If Rashford ends up leaving Manchester United, as most people expect.
“Muani can play out wide, down the middle, he would definitely add something to that Manchester United team right now.
“It didn’t go well for him at PSG, but he is a goalscorer and has had a great experience with the French national team.
“I think there will be a lot of Premier League clubs in Muani in January, so he could be a wonderful signing for Man United or someone like that. ”
TEAMtalk correspondent Fraser Fletcher exclusively reported earlier this week that Man Utd are keeping an eye on Kolo Muani ahead of the January window.
The French international has been made available by PSG and he is excited by the prospect of playing Premier League football.
We understand that Rubén Amorim has asked Manchester United to explore the possible signing of Kolo Muani. It needs more features upfront and Kolo Muani is considered a target they can get for a moderate fee.
Chelsea are also very willing, as he can play anywhere in the top 3 and, at 26, can still provide years of service to the club.
Man Utd and Chelsea have contacted their agents about a possible deal, with the imaginable move being around £50m.
However, Man Utd’s pursuit of Kolo Muani is not necessarily tied to Rashford’s future. He generally plays as a winger for the Red Devils and as per TEAMtalk’s Rudy Galetti, the club are looking at wide options to replace him, rather than a new striker.
Napoli superstar Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has many admirers at Old Trafford, but is said to be well-liked mid-season. Brighton’s Karou Mitoma and Athletic Club winger Nico Williams, electric at Euro 2024, are also on the Red Devils’ shortlist.