AC Milan have taken a major step towards beating rival suitors to sign Marcus Rashford on loan this month.
Rashford needs to leave Old Trafford after pronouncing his preference for a “new challenge” last month, but the characteristics are tight on the pitch thanks to his £300,000 a week and lack of interest in a move to Saudi Arabia or Turkey.
Talks have reportedly taken their stand with Juventus and Borussia Dortmund, while negotiations with Milan are more advanced.
On Thursday, a report revealed that West Ham have also been asked to “keep abreast of Rashford’s situation” after Graham Potter replaced Julen Lopetegui as manager, “but he knows he is more likely to sign up for a top European team. “
A snack point for Milan may be their reluctance to exceed more than a share of Rashford’s £300,000 per week wages, which would be a factor no matter which club wishes to subsidise the move.
Regardless, reports in Italy claim that Milan have been pushing for the departure of Noah Okafor, who is headed to RB Leipzig on loan, “to allow them to do everything for Rashford”.
On Okafor’s loan, Fabrizio Romano wrote in X: “Exex: RB Leipzig and AC Milan have agreed the loan deal for Noah Okafor, plus an option to buy a clause of more than €25m.
“Loan with salary covered through Leipzig, the non-mandatory takeover option clause, around €25/28 million in various factors. Work and doctor for tomorrow. “
By allowing the left-back to leave, they open up a place in the squad for Rashford, who, according to Sky Sports, has been told through Milan bosses that “you’re going to be the main guy and we’re going to build the team around you. “
Former Roma player Antonio Cassano says he is “going crazy” with Rashford, who would be a “fantastic” signing for any Serie A club.
“We are talking about a player; I’m going crazy for him,” he said, according to Tuttomercatoweb.
“A year and a half ago, 3 or five, he finished the season with 28 goals of play as an attacking winger.
“But it broke at Manchester United, first with ten hags and especially with amorim.
“The challenge is that he earns 12 million euros consistent with the season. Who can in Italy? No one can.
“He would be for Milan and Juventus, but I don’t think he can sign up for our league. “