Rashford to follow Messi? MLS club discussing sensational swoop for Man Utd star

Manchester United star Marcus Rashford could have the option of playing in MLS very shortly, with Seattle Sounders discussing a potential move for the England international forward.

Rashford is up for sale at Old Trafford after admitting that he is open to a new challenge, while options in Europe for the Man Utd hitman appear to be thin on the ground.

The 27-year-old would ideally like to move to Barcelona, but the Catalan side cannot afford to buy him.

Possibilities are opening up around the world, with rumours of a move to the Saudi Pro League, but Ben Jacobs has also revealed that the Sounders are also following Rashford.

Speaking to mufcMPB, Jacobs said: “There are some suggestions that MLS has an appetite for Rashford. The MLS deals sometimes are funded centrally with support for MLS by Apple streaming partner, as with Lionel Messi.

“Rashford doesn’t fall into that category but he might be able to get a package if there is MLS interest, provided there’s central support.

“I’m told the club that has asked the question, though there’s nothing particularly advanced at this point, is Seattle. They’ve had an internal conversation.

“The reason why it’s Seattle is because they are a Club World Cup representative, which is an appeal to anyone they wish to sign, and in addition to that, they’re likely to get a minimum of between €50-60 million for entering the Club World Cup.

“So MLS can turn around to Club World Cup representatives Seattle and Inter Miami and tell them they can afford to pay for these stars. So budget may not be a problem.”

Rashord to Seattle Sounders: Move still a dream

Jacobs is uncertain that even if an offer is made, Rashford will choose to make the move.

“I’m not so sure he’d want to go there,” he said.

“We shouldn’t overblow the MLS links. At this stage, Seattle haven’t reached out to either the Rashford camp or Manchester United.

“It’s an internal discussion that you’d expect to advance in January rather than the summer if they choose to proceed because obviously, the MLS calendar means January is almost like summer in the sense you’re lining up the main stars for the beginning of the season.”