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Erik ten Hag's Man Utd transfer plans made clearer as Marcus Rashford signs new contract
Marcus Rashford is set to pen a new contract at Manchester United in a boost for their transfer plans
Man Utd's recruitment issues
Manchester United star Marcus Rashford has reportedly reached an agreement in principle to sign a new long-term deal at Old Trafford, having turned down offers from the Premier League and abroad to stay with the Red Devils. The England man showcased last season why the club were so keen to tie him down to a new contract, as he previously had just one year remaining and could have left for free in 2024.
The Athletic have claimed that negotiations are in the final stage to extend Rashford's contract until 2028, meaning the club now need just a first-choice striker to complete Erik ten Hag's attack and can focus their attention on that marquee signing.
United have been operating on a restricted budget this summer owing to Financial Fair Play constraints and the ongoing takeover process and will be relieved not to have to worry about signing a Rashford replacement, as he is set to compete along with the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Antony and Mason Mount with a new striker.
Rashford is said to have turned down interest from elsewhere as he wishes to remain at his boyhood club competing for honours, having taken up a leading role under Ten Hag.
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No details have been confirmed on his wages, but the 25-year-old was tipped to become the club's highest earner, after the previous holder of that title David De Gea departed this month on a free transfer.
He previously was claimed to be demanding in the region of £500,000-a-week, but took to Twitter in March to quell that rumour. Rashford wrote: "Just before this one starts to do the rounds! It's complete nonsense. The club and [myself] have been respectful to one another, and that's how it will remain. My focus is purely on finishing as well as possible in the league and winning trophies."
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Speaking about Rashford's future in April, Ten Hag said: "No, it is not a concern for me. I don't want to give a comment on the process because I don't think it will support the process. But I'm quite relaxed."
The identity of the clubs interested in prising Rashford away from United so far remain unknown, but Paris Saint-Germain had previously confirmed their interest in signing the forward.
But with Rashford staying at Old Trafford until 2028, the club can now press on in finding a partner in crime up front for their star man - with Rasmus Hojlund of Atalanta their top target.