talkSPORT's Alex Crook has put Tottenham ahead in the London race for Marcus Rashford, but the deal still looks more complicated than the fee suggests. Manchester United could accept around £30million, yet Rashford's £325,000-a-week wages remain the bigger obstacle. Barcelona chose not to activate his option to buy, and the clause reported in the coverage had lapsed by July 15.

Tottenham ahead in the London race

Crook was blunt about where he thinks Rashford would land. "I think if he goes anywhere in London, I'm keeping an eye on Tottenham. I could see that deal happening," he said on talkSPORT.

That view comes with a clear caveat about Arsenal. Crook also said he is "just not sure Marcus Rashford is a Mikel Arteta-type player," adding that Arsenal have previously weeded out "problematic characters" from the dressing room.

The form data does not make a glamour move feel far-fetched, either. Rashford has 6 appearances in 2026, with 1 goal and 2 direct goal contributions, plus a 6.65 rating. It is useful output, not the sort that shuts down questions about fit or salary.

The money and the return to United

Crook's other point is the one that usually ends these conversations. "When you say a cheap deal, I think probably an offer of £30million will be accepted by Manchester United, but you have to factor in he's on £325,000 a week at Old Trafford, and doesn't seem too willing to take a pay cut," he said.

That is the hurdle for Tottenham, and for any other club tempted by a low fee. Rashford has not played for Manchester United since December 2024 and is expected to report back for pre-season in the coming days. Rory Jennings also suggested the door back in is still open, saying Carrick has done "an excellent job" and that a United return would be Rashford's dream scenario.

For now, though, Tottenham look like the more plausible London destination, with Arsenal treated as the less convincing fit and the wages still doing most of the blocking. The next update should come when Rashford reports for pre-season in the coming days.

Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 3 outlets. How we work →