Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly opened talks over a deal to bring Manchester United attacker Marcus Rashford to the club this summer.
The 24-year-old endured a frustrating 2021-22 season under Ralf Rangnick and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and would often find himself behind Cristiano Ronaldo, Jadon Sancho and Anthony Elanga in the pecking order.
Rashford only managed five goals and two assists from 32 appearances in all competitions last term, while he was named in the first XI on just 13 occasions in the Premier League.
Rashford's struggles at Old Trafford have seen him lose his place in the England setup, leading to suggestions that he could try to force a move elsewhere ahead of the World Cup in Qatar.
The arrival of Erik ten Hag could see Rashford handed a new lease of life with the 20-time English champions, but interest in the striker's services is still said to be rife.
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Now, agent Roberto De Fanti has claimed that Tottenham recently held discussions over a move for Rashford, but the North London club are pessimistic over their chances of striking a summer deal.
"It seems there have been some discussions very recently between the player's camp and Tottenham Hotspur," De Fanti told CaughtOffside. "The London club feel negotiating a deal for Rashford is virtually impossible though – so that transfer no longer seems an option."
De Fanti adds that Man United's hefty asking price is putting off a lot of potential suitors, adding: "All the top sides in Spain and Italy have been keen to enquire about Marcus Rashford's availability and the possibility of him leaving United this summer.
"Prior to any discussions, a valuation of around £40m, maybe £50m, seemed fair, but it turns out the attacker would cost a lot more – between £70m and £80m.
"United are confident a club is unlikely to pay that, especially off the back of a poor season, so they're almost certain he will stay. They are happy for Rashford to stay too, also because they know that if they did sell him, they would need to replace him and that is not a priority, definitely not this summer anyway."
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Rashford's existing contract with the Red Devils is due to expire at the end of next season, but United possess the option to trigger a one-year extension until 2024.
The attacker has made 303 appearances for Man United since coming through the club's youth academy, scoring 93 goals and providing 57 assists in all tournaments.
Rashford has won the Europa League, FA Cup and EFL Cup and Community Shield during his time at the club, as well as winning The Guardian's Player of the Year award for 2020.
Even if Rashford continues to ply his trade for the Red Devils next season, Ten Hag is still expected to be in the market for a new striker, with Anthony Martial seemingly set to follow Edinson Cavani out of the exit door.
The 20-time English champions continue to be strongly linked with a move for Benfica's Darwin Nunez, but the Uruguayan is thought to be holding out for a move to a club competing in the Champions League.
Ben Knapton
