Tottenham have been snubbed in their efforts to sign Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford, according to reports.
The 24-year-old endured a torrid season at Old Trafford, managing just four goals and assists in the Premier League across the campaign, but Spurs are reportedly keen to sign him in the hope he rediscovers lost form.
With one year left on Rashford’s contract, the Red Devils may have been tempted to cash in on the winger now rather than risk losing him later on a free transfer – a fate the club ultimately accepted with Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard this summer.
However, Rashford has informed Manchester United that he would prefer to fight for his place in the new Erik ten Hag regime than join Tottenham, according to The Times.
The new Dutch boss has taken over the reigns following a season of turmoil at Old Trafford, which saw the Red Devils finish sixth in the Premier League and concede club-record high of 57 goals across the campaign.
Rashford was also deemed surplus to requirements on many occasion, recording his lowest appearances total at the club (25) since 2015-16.
Only 13 of these caps came from the first whistle, with the rest occurring off the substitutes bench.
Ten Hag, who is reportedly on holiday, will team up with his new troops on June 27 as the United squad returns to full training.
Rashford will be eager to send a message to his new boss with hard work on the training ground, as he looks for a fresh start away from last season.
Spurs are primarily targeting improvements in defence this summer, eager to sign Alessandro Bastoni and Pau Torres at the left-side of Antonio Conte’s back three system.
Both clubs are also monitoring the progress of former Spurs midfielder Christian Eriksen, having each sent scouts to watch Denmark’s 2-1 win against Austria on Monday.