Manchester United plot audacious Marcus Rashford swap deal attempt in bid to land key target | OneFootball

Forward could prove a useful bargaining chip as Michael Carrick eyes more midfield upgrades

Rashford will rejoin United this summer after serving loan spells at Aston Villa and Barcelona in recent seasons, with the Blaugrana refusing to spend the €30million (£26m) required to make his stay permanent. They chose instead to bring in Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon.

He is once again in search of a new club, and his future remains in flux despite reports linking him to the likes of Arsenal and Tottenham.

United, though, are reportedly looking to use the situation to their advantage. Michael Carrick has been working to overhaul his midfield options following the departure of Casemiro, and, after already spending over £80m on Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, is looking to add one more fresh face.

France and Roma star Kone is said to be among his top choices, alongside Real Madrid pair Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga.

Admired: Michael Carrick is a big fan of Manu Kone

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Per reports in Italy, United are prepared to offer Rashford in exchange for Kone, whom Roma reportedly value at £51m.

United may use Rashford as a bargaining chip, though, with an eye to bringing down Roma’s asking price and providing them the left-sided forward they so badly need.

Rashford could move on loan or permanently as part of the deal, though his salary demands could prove a sticking point. He is among the best-paid members of United’s squad, on a reported package of £300,00 per week.

He is far from the only player expected to leave United this summer. It was reported earlier on Wednesday that Carrick had earmarked four members of his pre-season squad as surplus to requirements: Dan Gore, Harry Amass, Toby Collyer and Radek Vitek.