AC Milan have reportedly given up on their task track by Marcus Rashford and instead target his Manchester United teammates Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirzkee.
The Italian giants were believed to be the first European club to make a formal offer for Rashford after it became clear the England international was keen to leave Old Trafford. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Milan’s agent and Rashford’s former team-mate at United, also failed to dampen the speculation.
However, the winger’s high salary – reportedly in excess of £300,000 a week – ultimately ruled Milan out of a move ESPN.
Sergio Conceicao’s side have not given up on their quest for attacking reinforcement and could instead rely on Zirkzee or Hojlund as cheaper alternatives. The two strikers have both struggled to score goals this season, managing just five goals between them in the Premier League (which is fewer than Jorgen Strand Larsen managed alone for a relegation-battling Wolves side).
Although Milan are unable to secure either of Manchester’s two strikers, they have also shown interest in Chelsea’s out-of-favour striker Joao Felix.
A move for Rashford would also have been complicated by his nationality, as Milan can only sign four non-EU players. Manchester City full-back Kyle Walker is expected to fill the remaining spot, although another spot could become available if England centre-back Fikayo Tomori leaves San Siro. In this scenario, Serie A side Feyenoord would consider Mexican striker Santiago Gimenez.
Rashford may not be on his way to Milan but it is looking increasingly likely that he will not stay in Manchester after the winter window closes. The striker’s representatives held concrete talks with the club last week and Borussia Dortmund are said to be ready to sign Rashford permanently.
Ruben Amorim has been under pressure over the striker’s continued absence following the defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion at the weekend and showed no signs of welcoming him back into the squad any time soon.
“No matter what happens, I won’t use a player who I don’t believe is the best for the team,” Amorim said.