Tottenham, Chelsea and Arsenal are all plotting moves for Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford, but the Old Trafford hierarchy do not want to sell him to another English club. The 28-year-old has become the object of a three-way Premier League tug-of-war, with each heavyweight believing they can land the England international before the window slams shut.
While the Rashford saga simmers, Chelsea have already made the summer's biggest splash by completing the signing of Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa for a British-record £117m. The England international becomes the most expensive British player ever after Xabi Alonso's side hijacked Arsenal's pursuit. The move reunites Rogers with Cole Palmer at Stamford Bridge, where the new signing is believed to have been told he will occupy a specific attacking role.
“Three Premier League giants chase Rashford while Chelsea smash British record for £117m Rogers.”
The Rogers deal has left Arsenal scrambling for alternatives. Mikel Arteta has made Newcastle's Bruno Guimaraes his priority, with the Gunners set to step up their pursuit after being outflanked by Chelsea. Arsenal are also interested in Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa, the 28-year-old England defender, as part of a defensive reshuffle.
Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, are in advanced talks to sign Sporting CP's Ousmane Diomande. The 22-year-old Ivory Coast centre-back is expected to bolster Forest's backline after their narrow escape from relegation last season.
Bournemouth are determined to keep hold of Alex Scott despite the 22-year-old England Under-21 midfielder rejecting a new contract. Arsenal remain interested, but the Cherries have slapped a high price tag on the Guernsey-born star. That price tag also scared off Manchester United, who have cooled their interest in Scott and Brighton's Carlos Baleba, both 22, as they seek a central midfielder.
Ipswich have agreed a £8m deal plus £2m in add-ons for Celtic's Daizen Maeda, while Juventus are eyeing West Ham's Jean-Clair Todibo and Aston Villa's Emiliano Martinez. Even Manchester United's 18-year-old Australian full-back James Overy is being monitored by Rangers and Australian clubs.
With the window approaching its final weeks, the battle for Rashford remains the most tantalising subplot — but only if one of the three suitors can persuade United to sell to a domestic rival.