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Manchester United and England striker Marcus Rashford should move to Middlesbrough FC on loan if Zlatan Ibrahimovic moves to Old Trafford

That was the tongue-in-cheek suggestion of former Man United and Boro defender Gary Pallister, who joked that the 18-year-old sensation should join Aitor Karanka's newly-promoted side if Ibrahimovic signs this summer.

Swedish superstar Ibrahimovic will reveal the identity of his new club tomorrow - and the out-of-contract PSG striker is widely expected to be Jose Mourinho's first summer signing since agreeing to succeed Louis Van Gaal.

Speaking to The Sun, Pallister quipped that Rashford - a surprise member of England's Euro 2016 squad - should move on loan to Boro if Ibrahimovic moves to Old Trafford.

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"If United get Ibrahimovic then maybe the Boro can have Marcus Rashford on loan," Pallister said.

"The Rashford boy has proved to be a phenomenon. The way things have gone for him has been incredible and hopefully his talent will be allowed to express itself at Manchester United."

(Image: PA Wire)

Pallister added: "If United do bring in a big signing up front then you do hope he can still progress. He looks a very special talent.

"I wouldn't fancy a race with him. The lad has plenty of speed. But it's the maturity he has got at 18 and the awareness of the game which makes him stand-out.

"He's such a confident and grounded kid. There's nothing you don't really like about the lad coming through. He's riding the crest of a wave at the moment and ticking all the boxes to be a really top player."

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When Mourinho was Chelsea manager, Boro head coach Aitor Karanka was frequently in touch with his good friend - and he got a few favours too.

Boro signed no fewer than five of Chelsea youngsters during his first 18 months on Teesside - Nathaniel Chalobah, Tomas Kalas, Kenneth Omeruo, Jamal Blackman and Patrick Bamford.