Champions League
Conference League
Premier League
Published on Jan, 08 2025
Marcus Rashford's brother and agent has headed to Italy for exploratory talks with AC Milan executives over a potential half-season loan.
At this stage, both parties are establishing the parameters for a loan deal, financially and otherwise. A large portion of Rashford's salary would need to be subsidised by Manchester United.
Milan, who are not short of in-form attacking talent - and have the Rafael Leao in Rashford's favoured position off the left - have underlined there would be heavy competition for a starting spot across the forward line.
The Serie A side have made Rashford their primary forward target in the January transfer window.
Sky Sports News has been reporting that Borussia Dortmund and Juventus are also interested in the 27-year-old.
Rashford is one of the candidates being looked at by clubs across Europe after he expressed his desire for a new challenge last month.
There is an acceptance January is a difficult window to get big business done and a straight loan for Rashford cannot be ruled out.
United have yet to receive an official offer for Rashford, while United head coach Ruben Amorim has said it is up to Rashford to force his way back into the first-team reckoning.
All options seemingly remain open. Ideally for United, Rashford gets back on track and performs well for the team, which would likely increase his value if the club decide to sell him in the summer.
Alternatively, while a loan - and paying a portion of the wages - is not ideal, United can point towards the benefit such a move had on Jadon Sancho's value last season.
Zirkzee has no interest in leaving amid Serie A interest
Joshua Zirkzee has no interest in leaving United. He loves the club and is determined to prove himself in the Premier League.
The player's camp have received multiple approaches about a move. Juventus, Napoli, Inter Milan and AC Milan - and several Premier League clubs - want the player.
But they have all been told he is not going anywhere.
Juve want to do a loan deal and are managed by Thiago Motta, whom Zirkzee played under at Bologna last season.
It is unlikely United would consider a loan - Zirkzee has featured in every matchday squad under Amorim and the head coach says he wants to keep him.
"I want to keep Josh because he gives everything," Amorim said. "He's trying in training but we don't know, the window is open. We will see what happens."
Bruno Fernandes, meanwhile, said the United players believe in Zirkzee amid a challenging period for the 23-year-old, who was jeered off by some United fans in the first half against Newcastle last month.
"I was in the stands [against Newcastle] and have never seen something like this and it really frustrates me and annoys me because he is a player that always gives his all," said Fernandes.
"As a player that is coming into the team from a different league, he needs time to adapt but he has huge qualities.
"He hasn't shown all the quality but it can't be that from the first game of the season everyone was hyping him as one of the best strikers and now everyone doesn't believe in him anymore.
"We do believe in him inside the dressing room. I would rather be myself in this position against Newcastle and not seeing one of my team-mates in that position."
Man Utd planning ahead for the summer
Meanwhile, it is understood United are keeping an eye on Paris Saint-Germain's Nuno Mendes.
The left wing-back area has been a huge issue for United with the injuries to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.
Mendes has entered the final 18 months of his contract and talks over a new deal have so far failed to reach a resolution.
United have, though, agreed a deal to sign Paraguayan left-back Diego Leon from Cerro Porteno.
He would join in the summer as he does not turn 18 until April. It is thought the player will arrive in Manchester soon for a medical.
Who could stay and who could go?
Sky Sports News reported earlier this month that United will listen to offers for Rashford along with a number of other first-team players.
A number of clubs - including from Spain and Greece - have made contact with United over a possible loan for winger Antony.
Antony joined from Ajax in the summer of 2022 for £82m but has not started a Premier League game this season.
Victor Lindelof, Christian Eriksen, Jonny Evans and Tom Heaton are all out of contract in the summer. Offers this month would be considered - otherwise, they will stay and be part of the squad.
Casemiro could also be allowed to leave provided the right offer comes in, with Saudi Arabian clubs again showing an interest.
United have triggered the one-year option in Harry Maguire's deal, while a new contract for Amad Diallo is close.
When does the winter transfer window close?
The 2025 winter transfer window officially closes on Monday February 3 at 11pm UK time in the Premier League.
The window for most major European leagues - including France (1pm GMT), Germany, Scotland and Spain - also closes on Monday February 3, though times vary.
Italian clubs, meanwhile, only have until 7pm on Saturday February 1 to do their business and the transfer window in Turkey closes on Tuesday February 11.
Further afield, the window shuts in Saudi Arabia on January 30.
Follow all the latest deals, news and rumours on the 'Transfers' section of the Sky Sports app!
Looking for news about YOUR club? Find dedicated transfer pages for EVERY Premier League team.
Editors Top Picks
