Manchester United are reportedly looking to block Marcus Rashford from joining a Premier League rival. The forward is said to be desperate to leave Old Trafford this month and reports suggest that his entourage met with Red Devils bosses today to discuss his future.

Rashford has not played for United since being hauled off in the Europa League victory over Viktoria Plzen last month. His last Premier League outing came in the home defeat by Nottingham Forest on December 7.

Ruben Amorim has excluded Rashford from six of United's last seven matchday squads. The England international's absence from the draw with Liverpool and victory over Arsenal is said to have been due to illness.

A host of Europe's elite clubs are reportedly interested in a blockbuster loan switch for Rashford. However, the Daily Star claims that Old Trafford chiefs will attempt to block the academy graduate from joining another English club.

That is likely to exclude Chelsea, Tottenham and West Ham from completing a swoop for the exiled star. Premier League rules dictate that Chelsea would need to make Jadon Sancho's loan permanent if they were to sign Rashford in a temporary deal.

It is reported that co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is behind the quest to prevent Rashford from joining a domestic rival. United have seen Sancho excel at Chelsea after leaving on loan in the summer, having also found himself surplus to requirements in Manchester.

The Red Devils would also need to fund part of Rashford's £350,000 salary. Ratcliffe is not prepared to do this and risk seeing one of his own players potentially damage any late United quest for European football.

Rashford is said to have interest from clubs in MLS and the Saudi Pro League. However, his desire is to remain in Europe.

AC Milan are reportedly leading the race among interested parties on the continent. Borussia Dortmund and Monaco have also monitored Rashford's situation.

Amorim would not be drawn on Rashford's future, insisting he is fully focused on United's Premier League clash with Southampton on Thursday. The 14th-placed Red Devils have struggled against teams further down the top-flight this season.

Asked specifically about Rashford's future, Amorim said: "I just want to win tomorrow. My focus is to win tomorrow, I will choose the players that I think are best to win the game tomorrow. I am just focused on that."