Marcus Rashford could help Manchester United secure a huge swap deal signing as it's reported Michael Carrick is set to axe four young players

Marcus Rashford could be the key to Manchester United completing another big summer transfer as part of a huge swap deal.

Michael Carrick has made five signings so far this window, including three senior stars - midfielders Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, and back-up goalkeeper Karl Darlow. Academy prospects Tynan Thompson - a winger - and another shot-stopper, Kit Margetson, have also arrived.

But with pre-season now underway following a loss against Wrexham and win versus Rosenborg, there could also be several departures on the cards to help fund more transfers. Rashford's future remains unclear and the 28-year-old finds himself in limbo. Here's all the latest news from Old Trafford.

Marcus Rashford swap deal

Despite impressing at times during his loan stint at Barcelona last season, the Spanish titans chose not to activate a £26m purchase option in Marcus Rashford's contract.

A pathway back to the Camp Nou has been blocked with Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi signed in his position and so it remains uncertain whether Rashford will return to compete for a spot at Old Trafford or seek opportunities elsewhere, reports the Mirror.

Neither party would preferably want Rashford to remain and Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport claims the England forward could help bridge a deal for United midfield target Manu Kone.

Kone, 25, caught the eye at the World Cup for France and is reportedly obtainable for £51m this summer. To help fund the transfer and balance his salary requirements, it has been suggested Rashford might travel in the reverse direction.

Roma purportedly require a left-sided attacker but are restricted by Financial Fair Play rules - a stumbling block given his massive wages.

Yet Rashford, whose £350,000-per-week earnings have proven challenging to move on, could become the catalyst in a huge swap deal.

Michael Carrick axes four players

The Daily Mail reports that United stars including goalkeeper Radek Vitek, defender Harry Amass and midfielders Dan Gore and Toby Collyer are all poised to exit this summer.

Young Czech shot-stopper Vitek, 22, along with left-back Amass, 19, may initially be loaned out with a purchase option attached.

Vitek has attracted interest from several Championship clubs and Amass is rated at approximately £6million.

Collyer, 22, spent last season on loan with Hull City and the newly promoted Tigers are said to be keen on securing the midfielder's signature permanently.

Gore, 21, another young English midfielder, faces the chop following a temporary spell with Rotherham United.