Everton are weighing up a January move for Marcus Rashford, but the reported cost of bringing the Manchester United forward to Merseyside could prove a major obstacle. United are said to be open to a loan that includes an option to buy, while Everton are also assessing other forward options.
The discussions remain at an early stage, according to transfer reports. United are reportedly willing to consider a loan with a purchase option, but Rashford’s wages could make a deal difficult. No agreement has been reported.
Rashford, 28, returned to Old Trafford after spending the 2025-26 season on loan at Barcelona. He also had a loan spell at Aston Villa in 2025. Reports say he has struggled for form and minutes since returning to United and is recovering from injury.
Wages and player preference could complicate a deal
Rashford’s base salary has been reported at around £325,000 a week, although neither club has publicly confirmed that figure.
If accurate, it would make the structure of any move a central issue. United covering part of his wages could help make a loan possible, but it is not known whether the clubs have discussed how the cost would be shared.
The player’s willingness to join is another unknown. Reports say Rashford was reluctant to consider another English club during the summer, when Barcelona was his preferred destination. Everton may therefore need to persuade him as well as agree terms with United.
A January switch would be a move between Premier League clubs, and a loan would not guarantee Everton a permanent signing. There is no indication that Rashford would accept the proposed move or that Everton have made a formal offer.
Everton need more attacking options
Everton’s interest comes amid a shortage of recognised centre-forwards. Thierno Barry was left as the club’s only recognised striker after Beto was sold to Fiorentina and a deadline-day deal for Folarin Balogun collapsed.
Everton’s proposed loan moves for Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee and Aston Villa’s Tammy Abraham were also rejected.
Rashford is one of several forwards reportedly being considered. Club Brugge’s Nicolò Tresoldi, Dinamo Zagreb’s Dion Beljo, Rennes’ Esteban Lepaul and Real Sociedad’s Orri Óskarsson have also been linked with Everton.
These are reported targets; there is no indication that the club has agreed a deal for any of them.
Tresoldi, a 22-year-old Germany Under-21 international, has reportedly scored nine times in 12 appearances this season. Competing interest from clubs in European competitions could make a January move difficult.
Everton are also said to have strong interest in Lepaul, while Beljo has attracted attention from multiple Premier League sides.
A crowded search for a January striker
The range of names points to a broader recruitment search rather than a settled plan around Rashford.
Everton’s owners, the Friedkin Group, are seeking to sell the club, and reports say loans and free-agent options could feature in the January discussions as permanent deals remain complicated.
Rashford’s versatility would offer David Moyes another option across the front line, but the main questions remain unresolved: the wage contribution, the player’s interest and the terms United would accept.
For now, the move is a reported possibility, with Everton also monitoring alternatives as they look to strengthen their attack.
