Chelsea sent clear Marcus Rashford message

Pundit Andy Townsend has told the likes of Chelsea that and Manchester United star Marcus Rashford has the mentality to play at a big club after spending the year on loan at Barcelona last season

Rashford’s future at Old Trafford remains one of the biggest talking points of the summer transfer window following the end of his loan spell at Barcelona. Although the Spanish champions were impressed by the 28-year-old’s performances, they opted against activating their option to sign him permanently after strengthening elsewhere, leaving the England international facing an uncertain future.

CHELSEA have been tentatively linked with Rashford in recent weeks as speculation continues over where the forward could play next season. Reports suggest Manchester United are open to offers for the academy graduate, although any move to a Premier League rival would be a complicated one.

Townsend said on CasinoHawks: ‘Rashford showed at Barcelona that he can play at a big club, he understands that mentality.

‘At £35m, I’d be surprised if a deal doesn’t get done, depending on his salary demands. If he wants to stick on £300,000-a-week, then he’s going to have a problem.

‘But there’s no point in going back to Manchester United and not playing at his age. That doesn’t send a great image to potential suitors if he’s happy to just sit on the bench.

‘Marcus and his team should be working around the clock to find the right environment for him at the right level, wage-wise. You want to play.

‘At nearly 29, he’s in his peak, and he needs to be out there more often than not.’

With transfer speculation continuing to gather pace and Townsend adding his voice to the debate, the England international’s future is likely to remain firmly in the spotlight over the coming weeks.

Whether CHELSEA decide to test Manchester United’s resolve remains to be seen, but Townsend is convinced Rashford has the quality to make a significant impact at Stamford Bridge if the Blues choose to pursue a deal.

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