Liverpool's refusal to consider Bayern Munich's interest in Rio Ngumoha could create a fresh transfer opportunity for Manchester United's Marcus Rashford. The England international is presently on international duty with his nation at the World Cup, with any verdict on his future to be reached once the competition wraps up.
Yet with Barcelona reluctant to pay the complete £26million fee to turn Rashford's loan spell permanent, the 28-year-old might be heading to pastures new before next campaign. And it seems that one potential destination for the England winger might be Bundesliga giants Bayern.
This follows the German outfit potentially being told to ease their pursuit of Liverpool's Ngumoha. The Liverpool Echo reported earlier this week that sources at the club regard Ngumoha as "potentially elite" and that they have no intention of allowing the youngster to depart.
The 17-year-old caught the eye in his senior international debut against New Zealand, but was left out of the nation's World Cup team after failing to make the provisional squad earlier in the year.
The Echo adds that no dialogue has yet taken place between Liverpool and Bayern, despite the Germans' alleged interest in Ngumoha.
Given the Reds' resolute stance over the youngster, this could pave the way for a Rashford deal. The Sun claims the Bundesliga giants have no problem matching United's £34.5m asking price for the winger and are primed to land the England international.
The sole sticking point is Rashford's hefty £325,000-a-week wages, though it's believed he was prepared to take a pay cut to join Barca. A switch for Rashford could suit all parties involved, while allowing Bayern to play a waiting game over Ngumoha. Harry Kane is in sensational form in Germany, having bagged a staggering 61 goals this season alone.
The former Tottenham striker has scooped two league titles and two domestic cups since his arrival at Bayern in 2023, and could prove instrumental in helping Rashford find his feet in the Bundesliga.
The United winger enjoyed a fruitful stint with Barcelona, netting 14 goals and laying on 14 assists in 49 outings for the Spanish club. He lifted the La Liga title and the Spanish Super Cup under Hansi Flick's guidance and will no doubt feel let down by the club's reluctance to make his move permanent.
Yet a fresh beginning at a European giant could provide another welcome lift for Rashford as he continues his journey back towards the top. Michael Carrick is understood to enjoy a strong bond with the forward and revealed in April that no final call has been taken regarding his future.
Carrick said: "There are decisions to be made in time on certain things. Marcus is in that situation. At this point in time, nothing has been decided. It will be at a certain point because it has to be, but at this stage nothing has been decided."
While staying at his boyhood club remains a possibility, Rashford's eagerness to join Barca may prompt him to develop a newfound enthusiasm for the Bundesliga and Bayern's recent trophy-laden spell.
