Everton are exploring a potential January move for Manchester United and England forward Marcus Rashford. The 28-year-old is being considered as a target to bolster the club's attacking options ahead of the winter window, with the team having scored only eight goals this season and conceding nine.

Discussions are understood to be at a preliminary stage, with no agreement yet between the clubs. Rashford's contract at Old Trafford runs until the summer of 2028, and any deal would require Everton to resolve significant financial details, including his wages and the structure of a potential transfer. The forward is currently sidelined with a hip injury and is a doubt for United's upcoming match against Chelsea.

Former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness has spoken about the logic behind the move. He noted Rashford's proven Premier League experience and suggested a change of scenery could benefit the player. "I wouldn't be surprised to see something happen in January," Wyness said.

Why Everton want Rashford

David Moyes's side have struggled for consistent goal threat this season. They sit 11th in the Premier League with 10 points from eight games, having scored just eight times, a rate of one goal every 90 minutes of play. Their top scorer is Thierno Barry with three goals, and the team has lost its last two matches, including a 2-0 defeat at Arsenal last Friday. Adding a versatile attacker like Rashford, who can operate on the left wing or centrally, is seen as a way to address this shortfall. The team's recent form shows just one win in their last five league outings, a run of two wins, one draw and two defeats. Their last five results, in reverse order, were a 2-0 loss at Arsenal, a 2-0 home defeat to Chelsea, a 2-2 draw at Hull City, and wins over Ipswich and Wolves. The club now finds itself eleven points behind the league leaders, Manchester City.

The challenges of a deal

While the interest is genuine, a move faces considerable hurdles. Manchester United's valuation and Rashford's own willingness to join a club outside the traditional top six are significant factors. Also, Chelsea's reported interest in Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite adds another layer of complexity to the club's winter planning. Everton's immediate focus returns to the pitch this weekend with a trip to face eighth-placed Newcastle United, who are just two points ahead of them in the table. That fixture takes place on Monday 2 November.

This story first appeared at Transfermarkt