Former Liverpool goalkeeper David James believes the Reds should put their historic rivalry with Manchester United aside and pursue a move for Marcus Rashford this summer.
Rashford, 28, spent last season on loan at Barcelona, helping the Catalan side win La Liga while scoring eight league goals.
However, his hopes of remaining at Camp Nou appear to have ended after Barcelona declined to activate a £26m purchase option before its June 15 deadline.
United are now expected to explore alternative solutions for their academy graduate, although Rashford is understood to remain interested in a return to Barcelona should a deal become possible.
James, meanwhile, believes Marcus Rashford could be an ideal addition for Liverpool following the departure of Mohamed Salah.
Speaking to BetVictor, James said: “If I were Liverpool, I’d look to sign Marcus Rashford. I really would. Whether he plays on the left or the right isn’t the main issue. Get him in first, and then you give it time to work out his best position.
“I think he’s an outstanding footballer. His football intelligence is off the scale, and so is his ability.
“We saw at Barcelona that when you get Marcus Rashford in a happy place, he’s capable of playing incredible football. I can’t imagine Liverpool will actually sign him, but football rivalries shouldn’t stop clubs from pursuing the best players.
“Someone like Andoni Iraola is good enough to create an environment where Rashford could thrive.”
While David James’ suggestion is likely to divide opinion among Liverpool supporters, there are several reasons why a move for Marcus Rashford appears highly unlikely.
Firstly, Rashford’s contract with Manchester United reportedly includes a clause stating the club will consider offers that meet a £40m valuation, with the exception of bids from Liverpool and Manchester City.
Secondly, there remains a long-standing reluctance for players to move directly between Liverpool and Manchester United. No player has transferred directly from one club to the other for more than six decades.
The last to do so was Phil Chisnall, who joined Liverpool from Manchester United in April 1964 for £25,000 in a deal agreed by legendary managers Matt Busby and Bill Shankly.
Given those factors, a move to Anfield for Rashford appears extremely unlikely at this stage.
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