Sports gear giants fight for Rashford

MARCUS RASHFORD is at the centre of a multi-million-pound scramble as the world’s leading sportswear giants try to prise him away from Nike. The Manchester United striker is in line for a lucrative boot sponsorship deal that will send his iconic status soaring even higher. Puma are among the companies keen on making Rashford the face of their brand — although industry sources expect all the major labels to make approaches. Rashford’s deal with Nike expires soon, which has alerted a host of athletic-wear firms to the England star’s potential availability. Puma are just one of the companies

to have already registered interest in Rashford, who has become a figure recognisable to the wider public thanks to his tireless campaigning against child hunger. The player has not yet engaged in any formal discussions outside his kit deal with Nike. But Puma have turned their attention to Rashford, who they view as the perfect brand ambassador, having recently signed Paris Saint-Germain’s Neymar on a contract worth a reported £21million a year. Nike do have matching rights to any rival offer made to the 23-year-old and there is a feeling the United forward is open to continuing that partnership. He signed to Nike at the age of 11 and is the youngest footballer to sign for the iconic brand.

• UNITED could try to sign prolific Norway striker Erling Haaland again this summer. Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer coached Haaland at Molde and tried to bring the 20-year-old to Old Trafford last year, but he joined Borussia Dortmund instead. Solskjaer said yesterday: ‘I know Erling and I speak to him. He’s a Dortmund player and we just wish him well there and let’s see what life will bring later on.’