Rashford given deadline to sign for Milan and Man Utd striker must make decision today

Marcus Rashford faces a deadline today to decide on a potential move to AC Milan as the Serie A club grows impatient.

The 27-year-old forward is expected to leave Manchester United this month after expressing his desire for a new challenge in a bombshell December interview.

Since then, Rashford has not featured in a match under manager Ruben Amorim, with his last bench appearance coming in a 2-0 loss to Newcastle on December 12.

AC Milan has emerged as the frontrunner to secure Rashford on loan, with talks already held between the player's representatives and the Italian club.

However, Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona have also shown interest.

Milan president Paolo Scaroni, reportedly frustrated by the delay, has given Rashford until the end of today to decide before the club shifts its focus to alternative targets, according to the Daily Star.

One sticking point in any deal is Rashford's £350,000-a-week wages, which few clubs are willing to shoulder entirely.

Any agreement is likely to involve United subsidizing a portion of his salary.

Barcelona’s well-documented financial struggles cast doubt on their ability to sign Rashford, as the club has already faced challenges registering Dani Olmo.

A move to the Saudi Pro League has also been suggested, but Rashford is reportedly uninterested in playing in the Middle East.

He prefers to remain in Europe to keep his chances alive for selection in Thomas Tuchel's England squad.

Rashford's future at Old Trafford looks increasingly uncertain. Amorim has omitted him from the last three matchday squads, and the forward has not played since December.

When questioned about Rashford's situation, Amorim offered a measured response: "I don’t know; we’ll see. He is a player for Manchester United.

"He has to work and represent this club, which he loves, but I have to make choices. I’ve already explained how I make those decisions. It is what it is. Let’s focus on the next game."

As the deadline approaches, Rashford must weigh his options carefully, balancing his desire for regular playing time, his ambitions at the international level, and the complexities of a potential loan move.