Rashford absent from Man United training as agent meets AC Milan

Manchester United forward 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 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 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, now meeting with Rashford’s agent, have made the player their primary forward target in the January transfer window.

Borussia Dortmund and Juventus are also interested in the 27-year-old forward, Sky Sports reported.

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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 manager Ruben Amorim has said it is up to Rashford to force his way back into the first-team reckoning.

All options seemingly remain open. 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.

The Star