PSG hold talks over a swoop for Rashford

PARIS Saint-Germain have held talks over a surprise swoop for Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford. Sportsmail revealed in March that the French club, who were managed by Mauricio Pochettino at the time, were interested in the England striker — and PSG have now launched their move. Representatives for the 24-yearold have been in Paris in recent days to discuss the possible transfer. Importantly, however, the forward is happy and has prioritised staying at Old Trafford, a stance that has been reiterated to United chiefs throughout the summer. With that in mind, United are said to be relaxed by the interest in their academy graduate. It remains to be seen if PSG formalise their interest and it seems unlikely that United would even consider letting their attacker leave the club this summer, despite head coach Erik ten Hag being keen to sign another forward before the transfer window shuts. The Ligue 1 club’s interest provides an intriguing backdrop to the issue of Rashford’s long-term future. The forward has less than 12 months left on his existing deal, though there is an option to extend the contract by a further year — meaning the Premier League club are not under any immediate pressure to sell. Indeed, the interest from PSG could yet be used as leverage in future negotiations over a new deal for Rashford, who is expected to be a key part of Ten Hag’s plans this season. United are still hopeful of signing Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot despite concerns that they are at odds with the player’s agent over his salary. The two clubs have agreed a fee of £15.2million for the 27-yearold France midfielder, who is keen on a move to Old Trafford. While United insist that signing Rabiot would not rule out a move for Ten Hag’s No 1 transfer target Frenkie De Jong, there was a realisation that they could not wait all summer in the hope of landing the Barcelona star and Rabiot has been on their radar for some time.