Tottenham Hotspur have identified Marcus Rashford as a summer target, with Roberto De Zerbi keen to bring him to north London.
According to The i Paper, the Spurs head coach is a huge admirer of the Manchester United forward. He is expected to push the club’s hierarchy to find a deal.
The move fits a clear pattern. Spurs survived relegation only on the final day, beating Everton 1-0, and want to avoid a repeat. The board has backed an ambitious rebuild aimed at climbing the table.
Tottenham eye Marcus Rashford as De Zerbi pushes for deal
Several deals are already done or close. Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi arrived on free transfers, while around £52m was spent on Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke.
Tottenham are also chasing Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali and Manchester City winger Savinho.
Rashford could be next. De Zerbi values proven Premier League experience, and the England forward fits that profile.
Spurs, though, will not meet the £40m release clause United and Rashford have agreed, and instead hope to negotiate a lower fee.
There is a significant catch. Reports indicate a Premier League move is not currently on Rashford’s radar.
He favours a return to Barcelona, where he shone on loan, or a switch to Bayern Munich.
United’s stance could shift that. The club would prefer to move him on to save on his sizeable wages, a position that may force Rashford to reconsider his options.
He is said to be willing to take a substantial pay cut for the right step.
Bayern’s interest, for now, looks cool. Fabrizio Romano said the German club made “some calls” to understand his situation after missing out on Anthony Gordon.
He added that Bayern are focused elsewhere, with Ismael Saibari a cheaper alternative.
Rashford, meanwhile, is starring at the World Cup, having scored England’s fourth in their 4-2 win over Croatia.
