Marcus Rashford is back-up transfer target for Real Madrid

The Sun reports that Real Madrid have earmarked Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford as their plan B if they fail in their bid to land Harry Kane next summer.

Apparently the Spanish giants - who were held to a 1-1 draw by Tottenham last night - are desperate to sign Kane, but should the north London outfit refuse to sell their prize asset then they’ll turn to Rashford.

Taking Spanish publication Don Balon as its source, the Sun says that Real president Florentino Perez “wants the youngster as back-up if a deal with Tottenham cannot be reached”.

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Described as as a “massive fan” of Rashford, Perez is supported in his strategy by Cristiano Ronaldo, who believes the 19-year-old United striker is destined for greatness in the coming years.

Meanwhile, United manager Jose Mourinho is said to be “keeping tabs” on Spain under-21 left-back Aaron Martin, reports ESPN, with the broadcaster claiming that the Special One sent his scouts to run the rule over the Espanyol blocker.

It’s said that United's spies were impressed with the way the 20-year-old Martin acquitted himself in last Friday’s goalless draw against Levante, and consequently Mourinho has “asked to be kept informed of any developments regarding his future”.

Although Martin signed a long-term contract with the Catalan club in January there is a degree of uncertainty surrounding Espanyol’s future in La Liga because of the region’s demand for independence.

Should that come to pass, there’s a likelihood that Espanyol and Barcelona will be expelled from the league, leaving the players facing an uncertain future.

Manchester City were linked with Martin earlier in the year but ESPN say that Mourinho is ready to meet the full €40million (£35.7m) buyout clause such is his determination to sign Martin.

Left-back has been a problem position for the United boss with Luke Shaw, Daley Blind, Marcos Rojo and Ashley Young all been used in recent months.