The list of possible destinations for Marcus Rashford is getting shorter as he scrambles to find a way out of Manchester United.
Rashford's brother and agent, Dwaine Maynard, was reportedly in Italy this week for discussions with AC Milan over a loan move until the end of the season. Juventus and Borussia Dortmund are also believed to hold an interest in the 27-year-old, whose wages would make him a significant investment, even in the short term.
However, it has now emerged that Rashford's Bundesliga suitor may now be slipping away. According to Sky Germany, the United outcast joining BVB is 'very unlikely' due to the financial commitments involved in the deal.
Senior figures at the Westfalenstadion believe the loan fee and wages which a temporary move for Rashford would command are too expensive. And they are now looking at other options in the January transfer market.
The report adds that Dortmund manager Nuri Sahin never considered Rashford a preferred option this winter. The England international has made it into double figures in four separate Premier League seasons, but United are understood to harbour concerns about his lifestyle choices.
Ruben Amorim has not played him at all since December 12. And he was not in the matchday squad for United's 2-2 draw at Liverpool on Sunday, with the manager citing illness as the reason for his absence.
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Options are dwindling for Rashford, who has reportedly turned down mega-money offers from Saudi Arabia in favour of staying closer to home and fighting his way back into the England set-up.
Although AC Milan are now said to be 'pushing' to tie up a blockbuster loan deal. The Rossoneri already have a star-studded group of attackers including Rafael Leao, who plays on Rashford's preferred left wing.
Tammy Abraham and Alvaro Morata are competing for minutes up top, while ex-Chelsea winger Christian Pulisic is also in the equation. Rashford has played more than 400 senior games for United and scored well over a century of goals since breaking through as an academy star nine years ago.
Amid a seemingly strained relationship with Amorim, Rashford has admitted that he is 'ready for a new challenge'.
"If I know that a situation is already bad I’m not going to make it worse," he said. "I’ve seen how other players have left in the past and I don’t want to be that person. When I leave I’ll make a statement and it will be from me. I don’t have any regrets from the last nine years."