West Ham want shock Marcus Rashford transfer as Graham Potter looks to lay down gauntlet with raid for Man Utd outcast
WEST HAM have reportedly entered the race to sign Marcus Rashford – just hours after appointing new boss Graham Potter.
The wantaway Manchester United striker has barely featured under Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford.
Rashford‘s future has been up in the air since admitting last month he is “ready for a new challenge.”
The 27-year-old forward hasn’t featured in the Premier League since December 7.
West Ham announced Potter on Thursday as their new manager after sacking Julen Lopetegui.
According to talkSPORT, the Hammers have now “asked to be kept informed” of Rashford’s situation.
Potter talked about building on “strong foundations” as he was unveiled by the club.
The ex-Brighton boss said: “I am delighted to be here.
“It was important to me that I waited until a job came along that I felt was right for me, and equally that I was the right fit for the club I am joining.
“That is the feeling I have with West Ham United.
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“My conversations with the chairman and the board have been very positive and constructive, we share the same values of hard work and high energy to create the solid foundations that can produce success.
“We are on the same wavelength in terms of what is needed in the short-term and then how we want to move the Club forward in the medium to long term.”
Rashford is also reportedly a shock target for Tottenham, who are eying up a surprise loan move.
Any move away will likely hinge on how much of Rashford’s £325,000-a-week wages United are prepared to pay.
Napoli, Juventus, AC Milan, Dortmund and ambitious Italian club Como have all been linked with a move for the Red Devils striker.
Last month Rashford stunned the Old Trafford faithful by revealing his intention to leave.
Graham Potter's Premier League return
Graham Potter is back in the Premier League nearly two years on from his Chelsea sack.
Potter has replaced Julen Lopetegui at West Ham following the Spaniard’s horror start to the season.
It ends Potter’s 20-month wait for a job, having also been linked with the Manchester United and England jobs.
The former defender started his coaching career in 2011 in Sweden with Östersunds FK – winning league and cup competitions.
He then took over at Swansea in 2018 for one season in the Championship – finishing in 10th.
Potter left Wales after just a year to replace Chris Hughton at Brighton where he would make his name.
His best finish with the Seagulls was ninth place in 2022 but he joined Chelsea just months later in the September.
Potter had replaced Thomas Tuchel, just a season after the German won the Champions League at Stamford Bridge.
But Potter was axed seven months into the job with Chelsea left sitting in 11th.
The striker dropped the bombshell in an unauthorised interview after being exiled by new gaffer Amorim.
He told journalist Henry Winter: “For me, personally, I think I’m ready for a new challenge and the next steps.
“When I leave it’s going to be, ‘No hard feelings.’
“You’re not going to have any negative comments from me about Manchester United. That’s me as a person.
“If I know that a situation is already bad I’m not going to make it worse.
“I’ve seen how other players have left in the past and I don’t want to be that person.
“When I leave, I’ll make a statement, and it will be from me.”
Graham Potter's managerial career
A brief look at Graham Potter's managerial career to date...
2008 – 2011: Leeds Beckett University Carnegie
2011 – 2018: Ostersund
2018 – 2019: Swansea City
2019 – 2022: Brighton and Hove Albion
2022 – 2023: Chelsea