Xabi Alonso has been backed to lure Marcus Rashford to Chelsea after a £40million release clause in the Manchester United winger's contract emerged.
Rashford is currently away with England at the World Cup, but was hoping to sign a permanent deal with Barcelona after spending last season on loan at the Nou Camp. The 28-year-old scored 14 goals in all competitions for Hansi Flick's side, with the Catalan giants able to make the move permanent for just £26million this summer.
However, after signing Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United, Barcelona have now decided against making the move permanent, with Rashford now poised to return to Old Trafford.
Rashford is not expected to remain at United next season, though, with reports suggesting that he is available for £40m to Premier League clubs except local rivals Manchester City and Liverpool. The left winger showed his capabilities with a well-taken finish as England won 4-2 over Croatia in their World Cup opener on Wednesday.
And former France defender William Gallas believes that kind of profile would be perfectly suited to what Alonso will hope to build at his new club Chelsea. 'I think Marcus Rashford did well at Barcelona,' Gallas told talkSPORT Bet. 'They had a good system. I'm surprised he didn't sign for them permanently, I don't know what happened.
'I would say Chelsea would be a better fit given how they play. I'm sure he wanted to stay in Barcelona, but it didn't happen. If he has to come back to the Premier League, or maybe go somewhere else like Italy, we will see. But I could picture him at Chelsea.'
Ferdinand urges Man Utd to backtrack on Rashford sale
Not everyone is convinced that Rashford's time at United should come to an end, with Rio Ferdinand urging his former club to reconsider any potential sale after the World Cup.
'Manchester United might have to start re-evaluating Marcus Rashford's situation,' Ferdinand said on his YouTube channel. 'I'm happy to change, I'm happy to change. I'm not wrong and strong, that's not my game. I'm happy to change.
'It seems like Marcus Rashford has matured, the time away from the club may have done him the good he needed and maybe it's cleansed both parties. Is it time? Is it time to shake hands and for him to say, "I'm back". I think you can see a maturity with Marcus Rashford now.'
Elsewhere, Gallas believes Chelsea need to seek improvement at centre forward, and is not convinced that the returning Nicolas Jackson is the answer for Alonso.
'He had his opportunity to be the number one and didn't fully take it,' Gallas added. 'I'm not sure if he is the right guy. To be the right player, you have to score important goals. In the game between Senegal and France, he had a big chance to score and hit the post. His movement was great, but you are asked to score to make the difference, and he didn't.
'I can see him doing well in spells, but can he do it for a whole season? I don't know.'
Asked who Chelsea should target instead, Gallas replied: 'My pick is Victor Osimhen. I still wonder why he didn't come to Chelsea or the Premier League. He has a great profile for it. We are still waiting for him, he would be a great choice and have a huge impact.'
