Dortmund steps up bid to bring in Rashford as behind scenes update revealed

Borussia Dortmund are reportedly stepping up their pursuit of Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford.

The 27-year-old has fallen out of favor under new United boss Ruben Amorim and recently hinted he is “ready for a new challenge.”

According to Bild, Dortmund view Rashford as a priority target to strengthen their attacking options following Donyell Malen’s move to Aston Villa earlier this month.

The Bundesliga club's sporting director, Sebastian Kehl, and managing director, Lars Ricken, are believed to have initiated talks with Rashford and Manchester United to explore the feasibility of a deal.

Dortmund’s strategy mirrors their approach last season, when they successfully signed Jadon Sancho on loan from Chelsea.

The club sees Rashford as a "serious option" despite financial challenges, including his £325,000-per-week wages and potential release clause.

Discussions are reportedly centered on structuring a deal beyond a straightforward loan agreement, potentially involving a loan-to-buy arrangement.

Rashford has also attracted interest from Barcelona, though the Catalan club faces its own financial hurdles.

According to Marca, Barcelona would need to offload players to create space for Rashford’s arrival.

Potential exits include Ansu Fati, who struggled for game time at Brighton last season and has been out of favor under new manager Hansi Flick.

Defenders Ronald Araujo and Eric Garcia are also considered candidates for departure to facilitate Rashford’s signing. However, any deal involving Barcelona is more likely to be a loan rather than a permanent transfer.

As the January window progresses, Borussia Dortmund appear to be intensifying their efforts, leveraging their reputation for rejuvenating players’ careers in the Bundesliga.

Despite financial obstacles, Dortmund’s proactive negotiations signal a serious intent to land Rashford. With Barcelona also lurking in the background, the coming weeks could determine whether Rashford finds his new challenge in Germany, Spain, or elsewhere.