Forward Marcus Rashford could emerge as a useful bargaining tool as Michael Carrick looks to further strengthen his midfield options.

Rashford is set to return to Manchester United this summer after loan spells at Aston Villa and Barcelona in recent seasons, with the Catalan club unwilling to pay the €30 million (£26m) needed to turn his stay into a permanent transfer. Barcelona instead opted to sign Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon.

The England forward is again searching for a new club, and his future remains uncertain despite reports linking him with the likes of Arsenal and Tottenham.

Manchester United, however, are reportedly aiming to use that situation to their advantage. Carrick has been reshaping his midfield after the departure of Casemiro and, having already spent more than £80m on Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, he is still keen to bring in one more new arrival.

France and Roma midfielder Manu Kone is believed to be one of his leading targets, along with Real Madrid duo Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga.

Michael Carrick is understood to be a big admirer of Manu Kone.

According to reports in Italy, United are ready to propose Rashford as part of a deal for Kone, who is said to be valued by Roma at £51m.

United could use Rashford as a bargaining chip in an attempt to reduce Roma’s asking price, while also offering them the left-sided attacker they are keen to add.

Rashford could leave either on loan or on a permanent basis within such an arrangement, although his wage demands may become an obstacle. He is among the highest-paid players in the United squad, reportedly earning £300,00 per week.

He is not the only player expected to depart Old Trafford this summer. Earlier on Wednesday, it was reported that Carrick had identified four members of his pre-season squad as surplus to requirements: Dan Gore, Harry Amass, Toby Collyer and Radek Vitek.