Sérgio Conceicao's Milan needs reinforcements in attack and the directors have reportedly set sights on the English centre-forward Marcus Rashford.
But to take the final step toward acquiring the Red Devils' number 10, the club needed to resolve all uncertainties regarding the future of Swiss forward Noah Okafor, who is increasingly headed toward a departure.
According to what is reported by Calciomercato.com, in recent days, Milan has had new positive contacts with Leipzig for Noah Okafor. After rejecting an initial loan proposal with a 12 million euros option to buy, the German club raised its offer, eliminating the gap between the two clubs, with the player now expected in Germany.
Okafor himself, after discussions with Milan and his agents, has become convinced of the opportunity to play more consistently abroad. Economically, there are no issues, as an agreement on personal terms has already been reached with the agency representing him. The two clubs have exchanged the necessary documents, and the Swiss player is now waiting for clearance to travel. The deal is not in doubt.
This situation allows Milan to move with greater freedom to pursue Marcus Rashford. As revealed by La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Rossoneri have obtained Manchester United's willingness for a dry loan.
To outpace competition from Borussia Dortmund, Barcelona, Juventus, and several Premier League clubs, most notably West Ham, Milan will only need to cover his wages without committing to a purchase option at the end of the season. Milan’s manager Conceição, as well as RedBird’s senior advisor Zlatan Ibrahimović, who personally outlined the Milan project to Rashford's brother-agent, have already approved the move. Everything now depends on Manchester United’s decision on whether they will contribute to the €7 million in wages he is owed between now and June.
What are Manchester United's conditions to let Rashford leave?
Manchester United’s priority is to loan the player out on a dry basis, allowing them to reevaluate any potential sale terms directly in June. However, no option is off the table, with Milan eager to speed up the negotiations to outpace fierce competition.
The agent has not only spoken to Milan but has also been spotted in Barcelona, where Barça has initiated contact with the English forward’s entourage, as reported by Spanish outlet Sport. Milan is on high alert and ready for a decisive offensive. Rashford is waiting—negotiations are underway.
Source: Calcio Mercato
