The 28-year-old joined the Spanish giants on a season-long loan after being made available for transfer by United. Last season, Rashford spent a short spell on loan at Aston Villa following growing tension between himself and new manager Ruben Amorim.
With the winter transfer window less than two months away, clubs are already being linked with new targets – and United haven’t gone under the radar.
Amorim’s side are reportedly keen to sign a new striker, and Brazilian international Vitor Roque is said to be of interest, with the 20-year-old having been “reborn” in Brazil.
Palmeiras signed Roque from Barcelona in February for around £22million, making it the most expensive transfer fee paid in South American football history.
Roque struggled to make an impact at Barcelona, scoring just twice in 16 appearances, but since joining Palmeiras, he has quickly revived his career, netting 17 goals and providing five assists in his first year at the club.
The striker is now hoping to secure a place in Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad ahead of next year’s World Cup.
If United are serious about signing Roque, they may have to wait until the summer, with the young forward keen to remain in Brazil until June. After that, Spanish outlet Sport claim he “would be open to a new adventure.”
A key factor in any potential deal between United and Roque would be Barcelona’s sell-on clause, believed to be 20%. That means if Amorim’s side were to sign Roque for £50million, Barcelona would receive £10million from the sale.
Such a windfall could then help the La Liga giants fund a permanent move for Rashford. Barcelona hold an option-to-buy clause worth £28million, though they are not obligated to activate it.
A new striker would also bring competition for Benjamin Sesko, who has struggled to make a big impact in the Premier League so far, scoring just twice in his first 11 appearances.
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