The long-standing rivalry between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur has taken a fresh turn, with reports suggesting that the North London side are preparing a move for Marcus Rashford.

Manchester United are placing major emphasis on rebuilding their midfield this summer. With Casemiro’s transfer to the United States already finalised and Manuel Ugarte being pushed towards the exit, manager Michael Carrick is reshaping his squad decisively.

Atalanta midfielder Ederson is poised to become Carrick’s first signing after an agreement worth £39 million was reached with the Serie A club. The plan was for Mateus Fernandes to follow as the second addition, with negotiations ongoing with West Ham United amid optimism that a deal would soon be completed.

However, Tottenham have entered the race aggressively and are reportedly close to agreeing personal terms with the 21-year-old Portuguese talent.

Additionally, the Lilywhites are stepping up their interest in Sandro Tonali, another player on United’s radar, having already opened formal talks with Newcastle United. Although their initial £80 million offer was turned down, the club is expected to return with an improved bid.

While it seems unlikely that Spurs can outbid United for both midfielders given the financial scale involved, there is a strong motivation to back new manager Roberto De Zerbi after last season’s close brush with relegation.

Similar to INEOS’s strategy at Old Trafford, Tottenham’s leadership is focusing on players with Premier League experience to help De Zerbi reshape his team. The club have already secured Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson on free transfers, and last week finalised a £52 million deal for Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton & Hove Albion.

Tonali is currently considered Tottenham’s top midfield priority, with an understanding that United remain ahead in the race for Fernandes. However, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton is also being considered as a potential alternative.

According to a report from the i Paper, Spurs are now preparing to make a formal move for Rashford, with De Zerbi described as a “huge admirer” of the 28-year-old forward. The Italian coach is eager to add experience to his front line, which still lacks a natural left winger following Heung-Min Son’s departure last summer.

After failing to reach an agreement with FC Barcelona at the end of Rashford’s loan spell, Manchester United are now exploring other options for a permanent transfer once the England international returns from the World Cup.

It is believed there exists a gentleman’s agreement for a £40 million release clause between Rashford and United, though his high salary remains a stumbling block for potential buyers. Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Newcastle United have all expressed interest, while Bayern Munich are also monitoring the situation.

Rashford reportedly prefers a return to Camp Nou — an option Barcelona would only entertain as a loan deal — or a move to another elite European club such as Bayern, should an exit from Manchester become inevitable. Should Carrick welcome him back, Rashford’s priority would be to “return to United and revive his boyhood dream” rather than join a Premier League rival, which is said to be “not currently on his radar.”

INEOS, United’s ownership group, remain determined to offload Rashford this summer, as his lucrative £325,000-per-week contract — including Champions League bonuses — has become the club’s most expensive following Casemiro’s departure.

Reports indicate that Tottenham are “not willing to match” United’s £40 million valuation, but the Red Devils’ readiness to part ways with the forward could see them accept a reduced offer if a formal bid is made.

The key challenge will be persuading the Wythenshawe-born striker to leave Manchester for London, especially for a club without European competition. However, the opportunity to be the focal point under a manager known for nurturing attacking talent could prove persuasive if other top offers fail to emerge.