Marcus Rashford could be used as a makeweight to sign Manu Kone (Image: Eddie Keogh – The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
Manchester United could utilise Marcus Rashford as a bargaining chip in their pursuit of Roma midfielder Manu Kone. The Red Devils are keen to press ahead with bolstering their midfield and the Frenchman has emerged as a firm target, but United have thus far refused to match Roma’s £51million valuation.
Gazzetta dello Sport in Italy suggest that Rashford could serve as a viable makeweight to seal an agreement. Kone looks set to depart the Stadio Olimpico this summer as the Italian club seek to fund their own recruitment drive and comply with Financial Fair Play requirements. Roma have received multiple approaches for the Frenchman, but neither United nor Al Ahli have been persuaded by that asking price.
It is claimed that Michael Carrick’s side could exploit Roma’s eagerness to bring in a left-sided forward to drive down Kone’s price tag.
Nevertheless, the England international’s wage demands would pose a significant challenge for the Italian club. They would need United to cover a considerable proportion of Rashford’s salary as part of any loan arrangement.
United’s hierarchy would favour a permanent departure for Rashford following loan spells at Barcelona and Aston Villa that failed to result in a lasting move.
Even an impressive period at Camp Nou was not enough to secure a permanent deal.
The Catalan club chose not to sign Rashford on a permanent basis despite holding an option to buy £26m. They instead turned their attention to signing Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United.
No club has yet matched United’s valuation of Rashford, while reports indicate the academy product rejected the possibility of a switch to Turkey. For now, Rashford appears destined to return to Old Trafford.
The forward has not pulled on a United shirt since December 2024, yet still has two years remaining on his deal.
The forward’s immediate future remains highly uncertain (Image: NurPhoto, NurPhoto via Getty Images)
A clause that would have allowed him to depart for £40m — to any club outside of Liverpool or Manchester City — has since expired.
Rashford remains United’s top earner, commanding £325,000 per week and representing a sizeable portion of the club’s wage bill.
While the board will be keen to offload that financial weight, Michael Carrick suggested at the end of last season that he was not opposed to the forward remaining at the club.
“Whoever’s here, I want to work with, and help them improve,” Carrick said.
“At the moment, it’s this squad of players. There’s obviously players on loan, and whatever happens with that later on will happen.
“But certainly, as a coach, and leader of a squad, we want to get the best out of everyone.”
EXPRESS SPORT ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page.
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