Rashford rejects bumper PAY RISE to leave Man Utd

Marcus Rashford is becoming an increasingly large problem for Manchester United as the January transfer window progresses.

Rashford announced that he is open to a “new challenge”, effectively putting himself on the transfer market after he was dropped from the Manchester City clash in the Premier League by new head coach Ruben Amorim.

The Portuguese has steadfastly kept the England international pinned to the sidelines, with the 27-year-old set to miss Sunday’s clash with Liverpool officially due to illness.

Rashford, though, is not about to leave United for simply any offer.

He has turned down deals that exceed his €350,000-per-week salary at Old Trafford in the belief that he should continue to play in Europe, Fichajes reports.

The offers from Rashford came from the Saudi Pro League, prioritising his sporting reputation over money.

Fijaches states: “Rashford’s rejection of Saudi offers has one clear reason: the Englishman is focused on maintaining a competitive level that allows him to continue being part of the national team.

“At 27 years old, the striker believes that his football development still has room to grow in more demanding leagues.

“This desire to remain in the elite is a strong message both for his suitors and for Manchester United, who are looking for alternatives to close his exit in the winter market.”

This stance effectively rules out an audacious move from MLS side Seattle Sounders, who have been discussing the prospect of a deal.

United to take a hit on Rashford wages?

Rashford’s ideal destination is said to be Barcelona, yet the prospect of the Camp Nou side signing him currently is a distant one as they immediately battle to secure the registration of Dani Olmo.

PSG have regularly been linked with the forward. Rashford, though, does not fit into the plans of the Ligue 1 club, who want to buy young and, ideally, French.

While there is the prospect of more clubs taking an interest in the attacker before the end of the January window, his wages are set to provide a major stumbling block and it may be that United have to part-fund a loan just to get him off their books.