Atletico Madrid are reportedly lining up a loan offer for Manchester United attacker Marcus Rashford.
The England international told journalist Henry Winter on Tuesday that he is "ready for a new challenge and the next steps" amid suggestions that Man United are looking to sell him during the January transfer window.
Red Devils head coach Ruben Amorim said that he wants to keep Rashford when questioned during his press conference on Wednesday, but it is believed that the club are working towards his departure.
Rashford has allegedly not travelled with the Man United squad to London for Thursday's EFL Cup quarter-final with Tottenham Hotspur despite once again being available for selection.
The 27-year-old was left out of the Manchester derby last weekend due to poor performances in training, while Amorim also questioned the forward's behaviour in and around the training ground in the build-up to the clash with Man City.
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Atletico 'interested in loan move for Rashford'
There is currently a host of speculation surrounding Rashford's future, but the situation is complicated by the fact that he has a contract at Old Trafford until June 2028 and is on a substantial amount of money.
Paris Saint-Germain are regarded as the favourites for the forward, but a loan deal for the second half of the 2024-25 campaign could allegedly be agreed before a decision over a permanent switch is made next summer.
According to TBR Football, Atletico are expressing an interest, with Diego Simeone's side considering a loan switch, and Rashford is said to be open to a move to the Spanish capital.
The report claims that the Englishman 'dreams of playing in Spain', but neither Barcelona nor Real Madrid are planning to move for him.
Atletico are very much in the title picture this season, with 38 points from 17 matches leaving them second in the La Liga table, level on on points with leaders Barcelona, who have played a game more.
The Red and Whites are on an 11-game winning run in all competitions and will head to Barcelona on Saturday evening looking for the win which would move them to the summit leading into the winter break.
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Will Rashford play for Man United again?
Amorim insisted during his press conference on Wednesday that he wants to keep hold of Rashford, but it is understood that the forward is not in the squad against Tottenham on Thursday.
If Rashford is also left out of the weekend clash with Bournemouth in the Premier League, then it would say a lot about Amorim's stance, and it is difficult to imagine Rashford staying beyond the end of the January transfer window.
Atletico would view Rashford as an exceptional mid-season signing as they chase the title, and a change of scenery is required for the Red Devils academy product, who has scored seven goals and registered three assists in 24 appearances at club level this term.
Matt Law
