Everton have opened preliminary talks with Manchester United over a possible transfer of Marcus Rashford in January, according to Football Transfers journalist Steve Kay.

Rashford, 28, is one of the most recognisable names in English football, and any move involving him would be one of the stories of the January window. The talks are described as preliminary, which means the two clubs are at the early stage of exploring whether a deal is possible — not yet at the point of agreeing terms or a fee.

The forward spent last season on loan at Barcelona, where he scored 14 goals and provided 15 assists in 49 matches. Those are strong numbers: 14 goals and 15 assists means Rashford was directly involved in 29 goals across the season, and 49 appearances shows he was a regular part of the Barcelona side rather than a bit-part player. It was a productive year abroad, and it reminded everyone of the player he can be when he is playing regularly and with confidence.

Since returning to Manchester United, however, Rashford has not made a decisive impact in eight matches this season. The contrast with his season in Spain is clear, and it is the backdrop to the current talks: a player who thrived on loan, but who has not been able to carry that form back into the United side so far this campaign.

His contract runs to June 2028, which is an important detail for any negotiation. United are under no immediate pressure to sell — Rashford is tied to the club for more than 18 months beyond January — but that also means any buying club would need to agree a deal with United rather than waiting for the player to become available for nothing.

Everton's interest makes sense from a footballing point of view. The club are 11th in the Premier League and want to strengthen their attack, and Rashford would be a statement signing for a team looking to push up the table. Everton also know the market: they failed to sign Folarin Balogun on the final day of the summer window, and the search for attacking reinforcements has continued into the autumn.

Whether the deal, if it happens, would be a permanent transfer or a loan with an option to buy is not yet known. That distinction matters for both clubs. A permanent move would give Everton a long-term asset and give United a fee; a loan with an option to buy would let Everton test the fit first, as Barcelona did last season, before committing to a full transfer.

For now, the facts are these: preliminary talks have begun, Rashford is 28 and under contract until June 2028, his loan season at Barcelona produced 14 goals and 15 assists in 49 matches, and Everton — 11th in the league and still looking for the attacker they missed out on in the summer — want to strengthen. January will show whether those talks turn into a deal.