Tottenham make initial Rashford enquiry as De Zerbi pushes for Manchester United forward

Tottenham Hotspur have made preliminary enquiries about signing Marcus Rashford this summer, as manager Roberto De Zerbi pushes the north London club to strengthen their attack with a marquee addition.

Manchester United are open to selling the England international for around £40 million—a figure that has reportedly been agreed upon between the player and the club as a release clause. However, the proposed deal faces a major hurdle: Rashford’s substantial wages, which Spurs are currently unwilling to match.

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The Salary Stumbling Block

Rashford’s current salary at Manchester United stands at £300,000 per week, but that figure is set to increase to £325,000 per week next month following United’s return to the Champions League. With two years remaining on his contract, the 28-year-old’s wages represent a significant financial commitment that Tottenham are hesitant to take on.

Reports have emerged suggesting Spurs could be willing to meet his salary demands, but other sources indicate the club would prefer to negotiate a lower fee or structure the deal in a way that reduces the immediate wage burden.

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De Zerbi’s Pursuit

De Zerbi, who took over at Tottenham following two consecutive 17th-placed Premier League finishes, is understood to be a huge admirer of Rashford and is personally pushing the club’s hierarchy to secure a deal.

The Italian manager views Rashford as a versatile solution to multiple attacking headaches—capable of playing both on the left wing and through the centre as a No. 9. Following an inconsistent attacking campaign last season, Spurs are in desperate need of pace, movement, and competition up front.

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Rashford’s Preference: A Move Abroad?

Despite Tottenham’s interest, the biggest obstacle may not be the fee or wages, but the player’s own wishes. Rashford is reportedly prioritizing a move abroad or a return to Manchester United’s first team, rather than joining another Premier League club.

The England international spent the 2025/26 season on loan at Barcelona, where he enjoyed a productive campaign with four goals and six assists in La Liga, along with five goals in 11 Champions League appearances. The Catalan club, however, declined to activate a £26 million purchase clause, leaving Rashford’s future in limbo.

Barcelona remain open to another loan arrangement, but United are insistent on a permanent sale.

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United’s Position: Clear-Out Underway

Manchester United are determined to offload Rashford outright as part of a wider squad restructure. The club is looking to remove his £325,000-per-week wages from their salary bill and have ruled out another loan move.

With United rebuilding and Rashford’s future at Old Trafford all but over, the club hopes a strong World Cup campaign could increase his market value. However, for now, the £40 million release clause appears to be the benchmark for any serious negotiation.

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Alternative Targets: Gakpo on the Radar

Should a deal for Rashford prove unworkable, Tottenham have identified other attacking targets. Cody Gakpo of Liverpool is among the names being considered, with De Zerbi personally keen on the Netherlands international.

Gakpo, who is currently starring at the 2026 World Cup, is valued at around €60 million. Spurs have reportedly already made initial phone calls to explore a potential deal, though Liverpool are in a strong negotiating position with the forward under contract until 2030.

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What Happens Next?

For now, talks remain at a preliminary stage. No formal offer has been submitted, and no agreement has been reached. Tottenham are continuing to explore their options as De Zerbi looks to reshape a squad that narrowly avoided relegation on the final day of last season.

Whether Rashford can be persuaded to stay in England—or whether Spurs will pivot to alternatives like Gakpo—remains to be seen. One thing is certain: with Tottenham’s ambitious summer rebuild already underway, the coming weeks promise plenty more transfer intrigue.