Man Utd forward Marcus Rashford “will be interested” in replacing Karim Benzema at Real Madrid, according to former Liverpool and Chelsea defender Glen Johnson.
Rashford – who is out of contract at the end of the season unless Man Utd trigger a one-year extension – struggled for the Red Devils last campaign, like a lot of the squad, as they finished sixth in the Premier League and there were rumours that he could leave over the summer.
However, he made a solid start to the season for Man Utd and carried on his good form into the World Cup for England, scoring three goals in five appearances for the Three Lions.
Benzema, who has missed the World Cup for France through injury, is also out of contract in the summer transfer window and Johnson could see Rashford replacing the Ballon d’Or holder at Real Madrid.
When asked how Real Madrid could replace Benzema, Johnson told GG Recon: “Well it’s a massive void, let’s put it that way.
“I’m a massive fan of Rashford and when he presses and he’s at his best, then he’s unstoppable. I have no doubt that Real Madrid would want to sign him if he’s going to go for less than he should, if his deal’s not too far away from expiring.
“Will he be good enough to fill the shoes of Benzema? We won’t know that until he’s playing in the Champions League week in, week out for them. He certainly has the potential to.”
Man Utd have been linked with a move for Benzema with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez in danger of losing his star striker as talks over a contract have stalled.
A report yesterday out of Spain insists that Man Utd have made ‘a crazy salary’ offer to Benzema as they look to secure him on a free transfer at the end of the campaign.
And ex-England international Johnson reckons Rashford will be privately interested in going in the opposite direction if the chance arises.
When asked whether Rashford would consider leaving Man Utd, Johnson added: “Real Madrid 100%. It’s a galactico club, you live in Madrid and wherever he goes he will be paid well enough.
“He doesn’t need to think about that. Real Madrid will be competing for La Liga, they’ll go deep in the Champions League and you can live in the sun, so for me it’s a no brainer.
“When teams like PSG and Real Madrid want you, then 100% you’d be interested in them.
“Obviously he’s from Manchester and is already at a big football club, but if any footballer told you that they weren’t interested in even having a chat with a club like Real Madrid, they’ll be lying.
“He may not say it but he will be interested.”
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