PSG launch move for Marcus Rashford as the forward’s representatives hold talks with the French giants in Paris… but Manchester United are relaxed as he’s still prioritising staying at Old Trafford despite entering last year of his deal
- PSG have made their move for Manchester United winger Marcus Rashford
- The French club has held discreet talks with the 24-year-old’s entourage in Paris
- Boss Christophe Galtier revealed that PSG were in the market for a new attacker
- Rashford had a poor year last season scoring just four goals in 25 league games
Paris Saint-Germain have held talks over a sensational swoop for Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford.
Sportsmail revealed on March 8 that the French club, who were managed by Mauricio Pochettino at the time, were interested in the England striker and PSG have now launched their move.
Representatives for the 24-year-old have been in Paris in recent days to discuss the possible transfer with PSG chiefs.
Paris Saint-Germain have made their move to sign Marcus Rashford from Manchester United
The 24-year-old’s representatives were in Paris earlier this week to hold discreet talks with PSG
Importantly, however, the forward is happy and has prioritised staying at Old Trafford, a stance that has been reiterated to United chiefs throughout the summer.
With that in mind, United are said to be relaxed by the interest in their academy graduate.
It remains to be seen now if PSG formalise their interest in Rashford following discussions with his camp, although it seems unlikely that United would even consider letting their attacker leave the club this summer, particularly given head coach Erik ten Hag wants to sign another forward before the transfer window shuts.
The Ligue 1 club’s interest provides an intriguing backdrop to the issue of Rashford’s long-term future.
The forward has less than 12 months left on his existing deal at United, though there is an option to extend the contract by a further year meaning the Premier League club are not under any immediate pressure to sell.
Christophe Galtier told the French press on Thursday that PSG were looking to sign a forward
Indeed, the interest from PSG could yet be used as leverage in future negotiations over a new deal for Rashford at United – a scenario the French club are likely to be acutely aware of.
Rashford is expected to be a key part of Ten Hag’s plans this season and started the Dutchman’s first game in charge in the loss to Brighton on Sunday.
United are still hopeful of signing Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot despite concerns that they are at odds with the player’s agent and mother Veronique over his salary.
The two clubs have already agreed a fee of £15.2m for the 27-year-old France midfielder who is keen on a move to Old Trafford if personal terms can be ironed out.
While United insist that signing Rabiot would not rule out a move for Ten Hag’s No.1 transfer target Frenkie De Jong, there was a realisation that they could not wait all summer in the hope of landing the Barcelona star and Rabiot has been on their radar for some time.
Erik ten Hag suffered a 2-1 defeat in his first Premier League game against Brighton on Sunday
If United cannot complete the £72m deal for De Jong, it would free up additional funds to buy a new forward.
It’s understood the club have backed away from a move for Ajax winger Antony due to his high valuation, having already abandoned a bid for Bologna’s Marko Arnautovic.
Meanwhile, United’s share price rose 11.94 per cent on the New York Stock Exchange on Wednesday – matching its highest rise since the Glazer family sold shares in the club via an initial public offering a decade ago.
The increase to $12.75 (£10.45) followed reports on the 10-year anniversary about how United’s stock had fallen from its initial price of $14 (£11.48), and claims by Michael Knighton – which have not been taken seriously by United – that he could front a hostile takeover of the club.
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