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Marcus Rashford tipped to make Real Madrid move by mischievous Liverpool old boy as Ten Hag plan complicates matters

Erik ten Hag, Marcus Rashford of Man Utd

Marcus Rashford will seriously be considering a move to Real Madrid if the Spanish giants launch an ambitious move for his services, according to a former England defender.

The United forward will be out of contract come the end of the season and, as it stands eligible for a free-transfer move. Indeed, he could even sign a pre-contract agreement with overseas suitors from January 1, as things stand.

However, the Red Devils do hold a one-year option on Rashford’s deal and trigger this to prevent a free transfer. That said, United want to tie Rashford down for the long haul. And his massive improvements for club and country only reinforce that desire.

Reports indicate they plan to offer Rashford a significant rise on the £200,000 a week deal he currently earns.

That said, they may need to think again amid claims PSG are readying a dizzying offer to make Rashford one of the world’s best-paid players.

That said, PSG are not alone in expressing an interest in Rashford either. And there are growing reports that the England man is emerging as Real Madrid’s No 1 target as they seek a long-term replacement for Karim Benzema.

Like Rashford, Benzema – 35 next week – is also out of contract come the end of the season. But unlike United, Los Blancos do not hold an option to extend his stay. As such, reports are indicating that talks over an extension have so far failed to reach a satisfactory conclusion.

And Wednesday’s Euro Paper Talk leaves open the possibility that United could even swoop to bring Benzema to Old Trafford themselves.

Real Madrid need to consider Benzema replacement

Now former Liverpool man Glen Johnson reckons any United approach for Benzema – particularly on the giant wages suggested – could put Rashford’s nose out of joint. Furthermore, he reckons a possible switch to the Spanish giants would undoubtedly tempt him anyway.

Speaking to GGRecon, Johnson has explained how Real replace Benzema and why Rashford might just be lured by an offer from Los Blancos.

“Well it’s a massive void, let’s put it that way,” he said.

“I’m a massive fan of Rashford and when he presses and he’s at his best, then he’s unstoppable. I have no doubt that Real Madrid would want to sign him if he’s going to go for less than he should, if his deal’s not too far away from expiring.

“Will he be good enough to fill the shoes of Benzema? We won’t know that until he’s playing in the Champions League week in, week out for them. He certainly has the potential to.”

Rashford will surely be tempted by Real Madrid

This article takes a look at where United – and all 20 Premier League teams – need to strengthen in January.

Turning to Rashford, Johnson believes any player would find an approach from Real hard to resist.

“Real Madrid? One hundred per cent! It’s a Galactico club, you live in Madrid and wherever he goes he will be paid well enough.

“He doesn’t need to think about that. Real Madrid will be competing for La Liga, they’ll go deep in the Champions League and you can live in the sun, so for me it’s a no brainer.

“When teams like PSG and Real Madrid want you, then 100% you’d be interested in them.

“Obviously he’s from Manchester and is already at a big football club. But if any footballer told you that they weren’t interested in having a chat with Real Madrid, they’ll be lying.

“He may not say it but he will be interested.”

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