Everton have reportedly held early discussions over a possible January move for Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford.
FootballTransfers reports that the two clubs have been in contact about the 28-year-old, who returned to Old Trafford in the summer after spending last season on loan at Barcelona. Talks are said to be at an early stage, and there is no agreement in place. It is also unclear whether Everton would look at a permanent transfer or a loan should their interest develop.
The report comes with David Moyes expected to strengthen his squad when the transfer window reopens in January.
What has been reported?
FootballTransfers journalist Steve Kay reported on Saturday that Everton and Manchester United had held discussions over a possible move for Rashford. The report says there is no guarantee those talks will lead to a deal, with the structure of any move yet to be determined. Rashford’s position would also be important, having returned to United following his season in Spain.
There has so far been no independent confirmation of the talks from either club or another leading source. At this stage, the story should therefore be treated as reported Everton interest rather than an indication that a transfer is close.
Rashford’s situation at Manchester United
Rashford returned to Manchester United in the summer after Barcelona decided not to make his loan move permanent. The England international was subsequently brought back into the first-team squad by Michael Carrick and has featured during the opening months of the season. His Manchester United profile lists more than 400 appearances and 130 goals for the club, while his contract at Old Trafford runs until 2028.
Whether United would be prepared to sanction another departure in January remains to be seen. Rashford’s own intentions would also be central to any deal, with FootballTransfers reporting that he was not keen on moving to another English club during the summer. Those factors leave plenty unresolved before Everton’s reported interest could develop into anything more substantial.
Why another forward would make sense for Everton
Everton went into the season with Thierno Barry as their main recognised centre-forward after failing to add another striker before the summer transfer deadline. Moyes reshaped other areas of his squad during the summer, with Sky Sports’ transfer list recording the arrivals of Jack Grealish, Hayden Hackney, Tyrique George, Merlin Röhl, Christian Nørgaard and Ainsley Maitland-Niles, among others.
Another forward would give Moyes greater flexibility during the second half of the campaign. Rashford has spent much of his career playing from the left but can also operate through the middle.
That versatility would be useful, although there is no indication yet of exactly how Moyes would envisage using him or whether Rashford is a priority for January. For now, the significance of the report is that Everton are claimed to have made contact well before the transfer window opens.
Plenty still to be resolved
Any move would depend on more than an agreement between Everton and Manchester United. Rashford’s wages, United’s valuation and the player’s willingness to make the move would all have to be considered. The type of deal could also prove important, with FootballTransfers saying it remains unclear whether Everton would pursue a permanent transfer or a loan with a longer-term element.
There is plenty of time for the situation to change before January, and Everton are likely to consider several options as they plan for the window. Rashford is now one of the names being linked with a move to Hill Dickinson Stadium, but the talks remain at an early stage and there is no suggestion yet that an agreement is close.
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