Marcus Rashford Man United transfer exit latest amid training appearance and Barcelona meeting
Manchester United star Marcus Rashford continues to be linked with a move away from the club in the January transfer window. A number of clubs are understood to be keen on signing the 27-year-old on loan until the end of the season.
The forward last played for United against Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League on December 12. Rashford outlined his desire for a "new challenge" in December after missing the Manchester derby win over Manchester City.
Rashford was left out of the ninth match running in Sunday's 3-1 defeat to Brighton. United boss Ruben Amorim insisted it was "his choice" when asked about the attacker's absence. However, sources have clarified that the United academy graduate has not declared himself unavailable.
READ MORE: Manchester United get green light to complete first January transfer for Ruben Amorim
On Wednesday, Rashford joined his United teammates in training ahead of Thursday night's Europa League game with Rangers. It comes after a number of updates emerged regarding a potential departure.
Here, MEN Sport brings you the latest on Rashford and what the future could hold...
Rangers return
United have significantly reduced their output of training footage over the past month and Rashford was absent when photographs were released on January 8. However, he took part in training on Wednesday morning ahead of the clash with Rangers.
What Amorim has said
After watching his side register one shot on target against Brighton, Amorim was quizzed on the prospect of bringing Rashford back into the mix. "It is his choice [not to play]," he said.
"I don’t want to focus on this bad moment because in the games we lost, Rashford is not here. I don't want to put this moment on Rashford. Rashford is out of this moment because he is not playing. No matter what, I am not going to put out a player I don’t believe is the best for the team."
Long-queue of suitors
Since the window opened, the number of clubs credited with interest has increased. AC Milan had long been favourites to sign him but their pursuit of Kyle Walker means Serie A's rules will prevent that.
Borussia Dortmund, Barcelona and AS Monaco are all keen outside of England with Tottenham and West Ham understood to be monitoring the situation. However, United aren't expected to let him join a Premier League club.
On Tuesday, it was reported that Barcelona's sporting director Deco met with Rashford's entourage ahead of their dramatic 5-4 Champions League win over Benfica. Personal terms are not thought to be a problem.
Sky Sports have claimed that Barcelona is Rashford's preferred destination if he is to leave United.
Derby snub and transfer hint
It all started in December when Rashford, alongside Alejandro Garnacho, was left out of Amorim's squad for the 2-1 win over Manchester City. The absence wasn't entirely made public but Garnacho has since returned.
A few days later, Rashford told journalist Henry Winter that he is "ready for a new challenge" to spark speculation over his future at Old Trafford. "For me, personally, I think I'm ready for a new challenge and the next steps," Rashford told Winter.
