With the January transfer window now only a matter of days away, speculation surrounding Marcus Rashford's future at Manchester United is intensifying.

The forward is a product of the club's academy and has over 420 appearances to his name. This season, he has featured 24 times across all competitions, but his recent exile from the team indicates his future may be elsewhere.

Here, the Manchester Evening News takes a look at the biggest talking points from the Rashford saga as all signs point to an exit sooner rather than later...

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Rashford reality

Rashford still has a contract at Old Trafford until 2028, having last signed an extension in the summer of 2023. However, things have taken a turn in recent weeks and the 27-year-old hasn't been included in a matchday squad since the Europa League triumph over Viktoria Plzen at the beginning of December.

The player's recent omissions prompted him to speak out in an interview with journalist Henry Winter, in which he admitted he is ready for a new challenge elsewhere. As Gary Neville previously put it, the writing is very much on the wall for Rashford and it's difficult to see a way back from this point.

Whether it's in January or the summer, all signs indicate Rashford's days as a United player are numbered. The Saudi Pro League, Ligue 1 and Serie A have all been highlighted as potential destinations for the England international.

Ruben Amorim's honest opinion

Unsurprisingly, Ruben Amorim has been asked about Rashford and his future in every press conference since he was left out of the squad for the Manchester derby. There is no doubt that will continue until the situation is resolved.

The manager's most recent comments came after the Boxing Day defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League. It was a dismal night at Molineux for the Red Devils as Bruno Fernandes was shown a red card, while Matheus Cunha and Hwang Hee-chan were on the scoresheet for the hosts.

Rashford's absence was still a major talking point, despite all that happened on the pitch. However, Amorim refused to be drawn on questions about the forward when speaking to Amazon Prime post-match.

"It's always the same reason it's going to be," the manager said. "If he's not here, you can make your mind up."

United escape route blocked

One potential destination for Rashford that has been discussed in the media is Serie A. Italian giants Juventus have been linked with the player in recent times, although those rumours appear to already have been rebuffed.

According to The Mirror, Juventus have turned down the opportunity to sign Rashford due to the huge wages he is on at United. He currently earns a reported £350,000 a week at Old Trafford, while Serie A's highest paid player in Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic only earns around £210,000 a week.

Instead, Juventus are rumoured to be eyeing a move for his United teammate Joshua Zirkzee as Thiago Motta eyes a reunion with his former club. The Dutchman was signed from Bologna in the summer, but is yet to nail down a regular starting place in the team.