Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford has reportedly agreed to stay at Old Trafford for the remainder of the season following negotiations over a loan at Borussia Dortmund stuck.
The England international has been actively courted by clubs from around the world since publicly declaring his desire for a “new challenge” in the middle of December. Rashford was ruled out for the Manchester derby days ago and has not been given a minute by Ruben Amorim over the following six weeks.
However, the striker's huge wages – thought to be in excess of £300,000-a-week – and reluctance to move outside Europe's elite have limited his options.
Borussia Dortmund were thought to be Rashford's keenest suitors and were even weighing one up possible permanent movement at some point. But the financial realities of a loan deal ensure the Bundesliga side are “not hoping” to sign Rashford this month. Sky Sports Germany.
Not all hope is lost. Dortmund are supposedly waiting to see if United's position to cover most of them RashfordBarcelona wages soften as transfer window drags to a close are said to remain in the race. However, how the Catalans are able to fund the surplus of contract renewals they have agreed to, as well as Rashford's hefty salary, remains to be seen.
AC Milan were also linked with a move for Rashford but will be unable to sign another non-EU player after instant purchase of Manchester City's English right-back, Kyle Walker.
Despite clear pressure for a move away, Rashford has been described as “delighted” and even “happy” to play for Amorim if and when the Portuguese boss calls him up, according to The Guardian.
Rashford's last appearance for United was on 12 December in the Europa League match with Viktoria Plzen. Before his exile, the 27-year-old scored three goals in six appearances under Amorim. Only three players – Amad Diallo, Rasmus Hojlund and Bruno Fernandes – have scored more during the coach's entire reign.