Everton have opened preliminary talks with Manchester United over a January deal for Marcus Rashford, FootballTransfers reported on 24 October. United have placed a €30m valuation on the England international and either an outright sale or a loan with a permanent element is on the table.
Everton need attacking reinforcements after missing out on Folarin Balogun on deadline day, which left Thierno Barry as their only recognised striker. Manager David Moyes is said to believe he can revive Rashford’s career, as he did with Jack Grealish last season. His high wages at Old Trafford remain the obvious obstacle to any deal.
No goal involvement in six United starts
The drop-off since Rashford returned to Manchester frames the Everton interest. FootballTransfers wrote that he produced 14 goals and 15 assists during last season’s loan spell at Barcelona but has made six starts back at United across all competitions without a single direct goal contribution.
Barcelona did not meet United’s asking price for a permanent deal in the summer and no suitable alternative emerged. According to FootballTransfers, his time at Old Trafford is now expected to end in 2027, with a January exit a realistic possibility.
Wilcox leans towards Howe
Michael Carrick’s position has become precarious after one Premier League win in six matches and an exit from the Carabao Cup. Director of football Jason Wilcox would reportedly turn to Eddie Howe, according to CaughtOffside.
Howe is said to be ready to return to the dugout. Football365 reported earlier this month that he had already turned down an approach from Ligue 1 side Lens.
Pundit Paul Merson told Football365 that “Eddie Howe is probably the man they’d go for” at Old Trafford.
A £165m rebuild on Howe’s wishlist
If Howe does arrive, Rashford is expected to be on the outgoing list. CaughtOffside reported that the former Newcastle manager would target four positions, centre-back, left-back, left winger and striker, with the combined bill projected to exceed £165m.
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Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite and Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta are among the reported targets, as is Howe’s former Newcastle left-back Lewis Hall. Bournemouth’s Adrien Truffert has also been mentioned as a left-back option. On the left flank, where Rashford has operated, Howe is said to want a dynamic winger capable of stretching opposition defences, a profile several reports suggest the England international no longer fits.
United travel to Stamford Bridge on Saturday, 31 October, the next test of Carrick’s hold on the job.
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