Borussia Dortmund have not lost hope in securing the services of Manchester United’s exiled forward Marcus Rashford, with the Bundesliga club even considering a permanent transfer according to a report in Germany.

Rashford has been sat on the sidelines in the eye of an ever-expanding transfer storm this winter. United manager Ruben Amorim has seemingly lost all faith in the England international, who hasn’t made an appearance for his boyhood club since a Europa League tie away to Viktoria Plzen on 12 December.

Over the subsequent month, Rashford has attracted interest from across the footballing landscape. Saudi Arabia’s advances have been shunned while Spain – and Barcelona in particular – is thought to be the player’s dream destination. Yet, one of Germany’s historic giants could offer the safe haven for Rashford to rediscover his best form.

Dortmund first registered their interest at the start of January. Despite the forward’s steep wages and advances from AC Milan and Barcelona, the thrifty Bundesliga outfit are still seriously considering a move for the 27-year-old, per BILD.

The German publication claims that talks between Dortmund and United have begun and the side sitting tenth in the Bundesliga table at the season’s halfway mark are even internally discussing a permanent deal as they seek to address what has been a disastrous campaign to date.

Rashford’s representatives are thought to also be pushing for a final sale, with a figure of around £40m suggested. While Milan and Barcelona have only been linked with six-month loan deals thus far, Dortmund could have the necessary funds to finance a full transfer after the departure of Donyell Malen.

The divisive Dutch forward was signed by Aston Villa on Tuesday for an initial fee of £19m, freeing up some cash and a spot in the frontline for Rashford, who has increasingly grown reluctant to venture anywhere other than his preferred left-wing role.

READ THE LATEST MAN UTD NEWS, TRANSFER RUMOURS & GOSSIP