Chelsea consider transfer move for Marcus Rashford

Manchester United’s business this summer has stretched right up to the sharpest end of their attacking options.

Michael Carrick’s front line has undergone significant change following Marcus Rashford’s return from his loan spell at Barcelona.

The Catalan club chose against triggering their option to sign the forward permanently, despite a season that yielded 28 goal contributions across all competitions.

Marcus Rashford made his first appearance back in United colours as a half-time substitute in the club’s 2-0 defeat to Hull City.

Carrick’s decision to bring him on was widely seen as a strong indication he intends to keep the forward for the season ahead.

Marcus Rashford considered by Chelsea

Chelsea, however, are now considering a shock late move to sign Rashford before the transfer window closes, according to the Independent.

Xabi Alonso’s side are understood to be open to adding a versatile attacker to their ranks, having already spent close to £350million on new arrivals this summer.

Any approach is said to hinge on further departures at Stamford Bridge, with Nicolas Jackson among those expected to leave before deadline day.

Atletico Madrid have held discussions over a loan for Jackson that could include an obligation to buy, while Aston Villa have also been credited with interest.

Liam Delap and Marc Guiu are also likely to depart, leaving Chelsea with Joao Pedro, Danny Welbeck and Emmanuel Emegha as their options up front.

Should enough outgoings be completed, Rashford’s name has been discussed internally as a potential solution, per the report.

United, though, are understood to have fully ruled out another loan arrangement and would only sanction a permanent sale.

Any deal would likely require Chelsea to meet the £26million fee that Barcelona declined to pay for the forward.

Arsenal, Aston Villa, Newcastle and Tottenham have all previously explored Rashford as an option this summer, only to be put off by wage demands and the player’s own reluctance to join a direct rival.

Barcelona are understood to retain an interest in re-signing him, though question marks remain over the financial feasibility of any renewed approach.

Rashford broke his silence on social media following his return to action.

He added that he wished the result had been better, but that it was something the squad could improve on going forward.

Handed the number nine shirt this summer, Rashford had appeared to be building towards a fresh start at Old Trafford before Chelsea’s interest emerged.

Whether that fresh start now continues at United or elsewhere is likely to become clearer as the transfer deadline approaches.