Marcus Rashford’s representatives jet off to Italy for talks as AC Milan target loan move for the wantaway Man United star

Marcus Rashford’s representatives have held talks with AC Milan as the Italian giants target a loan move for the Manchester United forward in the January transfer window.

AC Milan’s interest in Rashford was revealed earlier this month, after the forward admitted he could seek a new challenge away from Man United.

Rashford’s brother and agent Dwaine Maynard was in Milan on Tuesday for talks with the newly crowned Italian Super Cup winners.

Further talks are expected with AC Milan over the possibility of signing Rashford. 

Borussia Dortmund are Rashford’s other main suitor, while Juventus and Galatasaray also hold an interest.

AC Milan are currently eighth in Serie A having struggled for goals this season.

AC Milan have emerged as leading contenders to secure a deal for Rashford this month

Rashford last month admitted he is seeking a ‘new challenge’ away from Manchester United

The Italian giants’ struggles led to the departure of head coach Paulo Fonesca last month, with Sergio Conceicao having since taken charge.

Conceicao led AC Milan to a 3-2 win over city rivals Inter in the Italian Super Cup on Monday with England international Tammy Abraham scoring a stoppage time winner.

Rashford’s former Man United team-mate Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a key figure at AC Milan, with the 43-year-old serving as a senior adviser to the club’s ownership.

United ideally want to sell for £40million and that figure plus his wages of over £325,000-a-week are the major stumbling block.

United will consider loans with obligation to buy offers and a number of clubs have expressed interest.

Rashford has turned down approaches from Saudi Arabia and wants to remain in Europe to further his England career.

His preferred destination was Spain but that option is unlikely to open up until summer and would depend on his performance during the second half of the season.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, right, is a key figure at AC Milan and acts as an adviser to the club’s owners

Rashford played alongside Milan chief Ibrahimovic (left) at Old Trafford 2016 and 2018 

United are desperate to offload players to help give Amorim players more suited to his system. A striker and left wing back are considered priorities but they are hamstrung by PSR guidelines having spent heavily under Erik ten Hag.

Rashford was left out of four successive matchday squads by Amorim last month, before returning to the bench against Newcastle last week.

The 27-year-old was absent from the Man United’s 2-2 draw against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday due to illness.