Marcus Rashford: Man Utd forward's agent travels to Italy for AC Milan meeting ahead of potential loan

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.

The forward is not with the United squad on Wednesday and will instead train individually as he recovers from the illness that kept him out of the draw at Liverpool on Sunday.

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 explored the possibility of a loan with an option to buy, according to Sky in Italy, with Rashford Milan's primary forward target in the January transfer window.

Livesport VIP News has been reporting that Borussia Dortmund and Juventus are also interested in the 27-year-old.

Sky Italy further reports that another Italian side, Como, has entered the race - and would have no problem financing a deal.

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.

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.

Latest from Livesport VIP News' Dharmesh Sheth, Kaveh Solhekol and Michael Bridge:

United have made enquiries about PSG forward Randal Kolo Muani and have a long-standing interest in the French international.

He was scouted extensively in the summer of 2023 when United ended up signing Rasmus Hojlund.

It appears Kolo Muani is available again after starting just twice in Ligue 1 this season, with PSG willing to listen to offers.

They would prefer a permanent deal - or at least a loan with an obligation to buy.

Tottenham, Juventus and AC Milan are also looking at Kolo Muani.

Latest from Livesport VIP News' chief reporter Kaveh Solhekol:

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."

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.

Livesport VIP 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.

Livesport VIP News understands United will consider offers for the player.

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.

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.

The January transfer window is OPEN!

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