'The problem is' - Manchester United obstacle in potential Marcus Rashford move to Italy

Former Italy international Antonio Cassano believes Marcus Rashford won't make a move to Serie A due to his hefty wages.

Rashford was dropped for the Manchester derby last month and was only recalled to the squad for the Newcastle game due to injuries and suspensions weakening Ruben Amorim's options.

Manchester United will listen to offers for Rashford in the January transfer window and the player's camp are believed to be holding talks with AC Milan, Juventus and Borussia Dortmund.

Rashford could leave on a loan deal, with an option to buy, this month and momentum seems to be building behind a move to Italy, where Scott McTominay headed in the summer window.

Serie A has seen an influx of British players of late, although former AC Milan, Inter Milan and Real Madrid forward Cassano can't see Rashford playing in Italy due to his wages.

He explained to Viva el Futbol: “We’re talking about a fantastic player who drives me crazy. Not three years ago, five years ago, or ten years ago, but a year and a half ago he finished the season with 30 goals playing as a wide forward.

"We’re talking about a fantastic player. Something broke there at Manchester United, first with Ten Hag and now especially with Amorim. The problem is he earns €12million per season.

"Who can afford such a figure in Italy? No one in Italy can afford it. It would be fantastic for both [AC] Milan and Juventus, but I don’t think he can come to our league.”

Loan agreements typically see the two clubs share the responsibility of paying wages but Rashford is one of United's highest earners and how the split would work is unknown.

Italian clubs have been strapped for cash in recent years and United may need to pay a chunk of Rashford's wages if they want to arrange a loan exit for the 27-year-old in January.

Rashford last played for United against Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League on December 12.