Liverpool F.C. Are now in pole position to sign Marcus Rashford after Manchester United’s exit clause expired this summer. The England forward’s £40m release option lapsed, opening fresh talks with any club - except United’s rivals Manchester City and Liverpool.

Rashford spent last season on loan at Barcelona, thriving under Hansi Flick’s style and rediscovering his best form. The La Liga champions, however, chose Anthony Gordon over the £26m option in Rashford’s contract, leaving the 28-year-old’s future unclear. United’s clause - available to all bar City and Liverpool - has now expired, meaning any side can open talks.

Liverpool currently sit fifth in the Premier League with 60 points from 38 games last season, 25 points behind champions Arsenal. Their recent run ended in a draw, loss, draw, loss, win sequence, leaving fans eyeing a stronger attack ahead of the new campaign.

Why a former Liverpool striker wants Rashford at Anfield

Fernando Morientes, who starred for Liverpool between 2005 and 2006, argued a move to Anfield would suit Rashford. Speaking to Reviant, he said: “Marcus Rashford to Liverpool? I wouldn’t be surprised. It might be a good place for him to show his quality. He showed it last year - in specific moments he proved he’s a great player.”

Morientes stressed that players like Rashford need regular minutes to settle. “With this type of player you have to give him games, because if you play him one game and rest him the next two, in the end these are players who never really settle.” Liverpool’s need for pace and directness could make Rashford a shrewd pick.

Expert views on a potential Reds move

Claude Makelele, Chelsea legend and former Barcelona assistant, also tipped Rashford for success at Liverpool. “If staying at Barcelona isn’t possible and he decides to come back to the Premier League, he would do a lot of good at Liverpool,” he told ComeOn. Makelele praised Rashford’s adaptation to Barcelona’s style, calling it “exactly what saves you.”

Liverpool have already added Victor Munoz at left wing this summer, but Morientes argued Rashford’s profile - quick, athletic, with a strong shot - fits the club’s demands. “The big clubs need this kind of profile: fast, athletic players with a good shot on them.”

As Rashford joins United’s pre-season tour, the window for a surprise move to Liverpool remains open - and the Reds’ attack could get a major boost.