Bilic rules out move for Rashford

Slaven Bilic says there is "no way" West Ham can sign Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford in the January transfer window.

West Ham manager Bilic is in the market for a new striker, with Simone Zaza set to return to Juventus next month after a disastrous loan spell at the London Stadium, but the Croat expects Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho to veto any move for the England international.

Rashford netted in three of his first four Premier League games this season, but has not scored in the league since September 24 and not started for United since the 1-1 home draw with West Ham on 27 November.

However, the 19-year-old is likely to be a key player for United in cup competitions in the New Year, with the Red Devils facing a two-legged EFL Cup semi-final against Hull and and a FA Cup third round meeting with Reading in January, and a Europa League last 32 date with St Etienne in February.

"No way," Bilic, 48, said.

"Rashford is very valuable for Manchester United. There's no way. There's no way to get him. They have many games, four competitions. He's playing. So no way. No way."

Bilic also played down speculation linking the Hammers with a move for Juventus full-back Patrice Evra and Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe during the January transfer window.

"We are the club that is linked with the most players in Europe! Every player that is available, it is always West Ham," he laughed.

"It's that time of the year. You have the agents calling. I think we have a good principle. We have chairmen, there's me and my staff, and we are working quite well.

"Of course, you are bombed with names and everything. When you talk to them, everybody is like [Lionel] Messi or whatever. They are also very cheap, dying to come, and they have a little West Ham tattoo. Not now... but since the school days and all that. You know it's that time of the year."

However, Bilic says 34-year-old Defoe, who signed a new Sunderland deal this summer until June 2019, is still one of the best forwards in the Premier League.

"I have a few midfielders from different countries telling me his movement is the best of strikers they have played with," he said.

Photo (Getty Images/ Clive Brunskill)

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