Fiorentina have reportedly requested that Manchester United include Marcus Rashford in any offer for Federico Bernardeschi this summer.
According to Florence based newspaper La Nazione, as reported by The Daily Star, United are pursuing Bernardeschi and recently offered £22m for the Italian international.
While that bid has been rejected, the Viola have made the shock request for Rashford to be included in any deal moving forward.
The 18-year-old has been a revelation this season and has made a significant impact in a short period of time with six goals in 11 appearances in all competitions for the senior side.
In turn, it would seem a strange decision for United to sell him this summer when it appears as though he could well be a star for them for many years to come if he continues to improve and develop his all-round game.
Bernardeschi is also seen as a star for the future, albeit with more evidence of that given his presence in the Fiorentina line-up all season, and it is no surprise that the winger has attracted attention from around Europe.
However, that isn’t enough to warrant United even considering offering Rashford in exchange, if the above report has any truth in it.
Wayne Rooney’s return from injury in the coming weeks could complicate matters for the teenager as he will face a fight to hold on to his spot in the starting line-up.
Regardless, there is no denying that Louis van Gaal has been left impressed by him thus far, and whether or not the Dutchman remains in charge beyond the summer, it is clear that United have a real talent on their hands.
As a result, it is highly likely that they will dismiss Fiorentina’s reported request, and perhaps continue to test their resolve with a financial package rather than parting company with any of their young stars who have proven in recent weeks that the Red Devils have plenty of reasons to be optimistic about the future.