Marcus Rashford has not yet spoken to Milan over a possible January transfer, according to club advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The former Manchester United forward has downplayed talks between the parties so far this window despite mass speculation.

Ibrahimovic, who left United in 2018 and rejoined Milan 18 months later, is now an advisor at San Siro and has a role to play in transfers. He has put distance between a move being close for Rashford to join him in Italy, though.

Speaking to Sky Italia, Ibrahimovic said: “I don’t think I need to convince him because Milan are one of the biggest clubs in the world and everyone wants to come here. As of today, it is not an easy operation, but we have not spoken to him yet. We’ll see if we will speak to him.”

Rashford has plenty of interest from high-end European sides as his career at Old Trafford looks set to come to an end. Milan, who have become somewhat of a home for Premier League players aiming for a fresh start, are just one of those.

Barcelona are the latest to emerge as an option but they have serious financial issues to contend with. Juventus are also in the mix. They appear to be prioritising moves elsewhere and have been more strongly linked with Joshua Zirkzee instead of Rashford.

The 27-year-old is currently not involved under new manager Ruben Amorim and all sides are seeking a swift resolution. It is suggested that Ibrahimovic has had a part to play in the interest, with the Swedish great downplaying any concerns of Rashford with Milan's hierarchy.

He has already spoken out about signing those he used to play with, offering his views on bringing in Victor Lindelof in the summer. Under pressure after Milan's poor start to the season, Ibrahimovic has also made it clear where everyone stands.

"I am the boss and I am in charge," he said. "All the others work for me." Only recently, Milan changed manager after Paulo Fonseca was sacked less than six months into the job. Former Porto head coach Sergio Conceicao replaced him and spoke about the prospect of buying Rashford himself.

"Rashford is a good player like many others," he said. "Let's see what happens."