AC Milan is said to have given up pursuit of Marcus Rashford and are targeting his Manchester United teammates Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirzkee instead.
The Italian giants were thought to be the first European club desk an official offer for Rashford after it became clear that the Englishman was keen to leave Old Trafford. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, a Milan adviser and Rashford's former United team-mate, did nothing to quell the speculation either.
However, the winger's high wages – said to be in excess of £300,000-a-week – have ultimately priced Milan out of a move, according to ESPN.
Sergio Conceicao's side have not given up on the pursuit of reinforcements in attack and could instead look at Zirkzee or Hojlund as a cheaper alternative. The forward duo have struggled for goals this season, netting just five this term Premier League between them (which is less than Jorgen Strand Larsen has single-handedly managed for a relegation-fighting Wolves side).
If Milan can't prize any of the strikers away from Manchester, they have too showed interest in out-of-favour Chelsea striker Joao Felix.
Any move for Rashford would also be complicated by his nationality, as Milan can only register four non-EU players. Manchester City full-back Kyle Walker is expected to be filled remaining, although another spot could open up if England centre-back Fikayo Tomori leaves the San Siro. In this scenario, the Serie A side would consider Feyenoord's Mexican striker Santiago Gimenez.
Rashford may not be on his way to Milan, but it looks increasingly likely that he won't be staying in Manchester after the winter window closes. The representatives of the attacker have kept strong talks with the club last week and Borussia Dortmund are thought to be willing to sign Rashford in one permanent agreement.
Ruben Amorim came under pressure for the striker's continued absence after the weekend defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion and showed no sign of welcoming him back into the fold any time soon.
“No matter what, I'm not going to put a player that I don't believe is the best for the team,” Amorim said.