Chelsea Consider £40m Marcus Rashford Transfer Following Xabi Alonso's Appointment

Marcus Rashford could leave Manchester United permanently this summer as Chelsea consider a £40m transfer deal.

Chelsea are on the hunt for a new left-sided winger this summer as the club look to provide Xabi Alonso with the necessary tools to compete in his debut season.

There is plenty of excitement regarding Alonso's appointment as manager, with the club expected to give the Spaniard more power than his predecessors when it comes to transfer dealings.

Rashford, 28, spent last season on loan at Barcelona but the Spanish champions have chosen not to trigger the £30m option to buy from Manchester United.

According to a report in The Athletic, there is a £40m clause in Rashford's contract at Old Trafford to all admirers, apart from United's local rivals Manchester City and Liverpool.

While Rashford would be an upgrade on what Chelsea had at left wing last season — Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens, namely — the Blues should be looking for a class above the England international.

Rashford's transfer fee would be cheap (in relative terms), but his wages — reportedly over £300,000-a-week at Old Trafford — are far too high for what Chelsea would be getting. I do think Rashford will do well wherever he goes, but this deal doesn't make financial sense for the Blues at this moment in time. Stay clear.

Marcus Rashford has been linked with numerous clubs this summer

Unless Michael Carrick finds a place for the 28-year-old forward in his plans at Old Trafford or Barcelona comes calling, this could be the best chance that Chelsea have at signing a big name before they're competing in the Champions League again.

Ultimately, I fear that beggars can't be choosers. Unfortunately, at the moment, neither of the Paris Saint-Germain wingers, Kenan Yildiz or Diomande, for example, are realistic options. So, Chelsea should have an offer — that doesn't break the wage structure — ready, just in case the England international either becomes available or if Alonso gives the green light.