AC Milan have decided against signing Marcus Rashford after holding talks with the wantaway Manchester United forward's representatives.
Instead the Rossoneri are prioritising a move for Manchester City and England defender Kyle Walker. The Italian side have only one spot for a non-EU player in their squad. That means that, since Brexit saw the UK leave the European Union, it was a case of Rashford OR Walker this month.
Rashford’s agent - his brother Dane - has been in Milan this week for talks with club officials, and one of whom, former United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, was keen to get a deal sorted. But Rashford's £350k-a-week salary has always been an issue and a move was further complicated this week when Noah Okafor's move to RB Leipzig - potentially worth £21million - fell through due to injury.
There has also been the suggestion that Milan was only his second choice this month, with a dream switch to Barcelona the 27-year-old's priority. Whether that's even possible given the Catalan giant's own financial situation is another matter.
United have already given Rashford the green light to seek a transfer this month after the player expressed his desire for a new challenge last month. Another Italian side, Napoli, are pursuing his United team-mate Alejandro Garnacho, and have seen a £40million offer rejected.
With Milan pulling out of a move for Rashford, it leaves the road free for veteran City defender Walker to make the move to San Siro, with the Italian side's top brass having elected to push ahead with a move for the 34-year-old.
Pep Guardiola revealed on Saturday night that the right-back wants to quit The Etihad this month. And with Walker wanting to pursue a move abroad, Milan are believed to be in pole position to sign the England star.
It's understood Milan and Walker have already agreed on personal terms. The Italian club are hoping that City won't demand a transfer fee, potentially terminating Walker's deal at the Etihad and allowing him to move to Italy on a free after eight trophy-laden years in Manchester.