Marcus Rashford is in talks with Manchester United over a lucrative new contract as they move to ­secure the England striker’s long-term future and ward off interest from Europe’s elite clubs.

Rashford has been central to United’s resurgence under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the caretaker manager, with six goals in his past 10 matches and a series of impressive performances underlining his status as one of Europe’s most exciting talents.

United tied France forward Anthony Martial to a new five-year contract worth around £200,000 a week last Thursday and want Rashford to follow suit in the belief the pair could form the nucleus of a world-class attack for years to come.

Rashford is out of contract at the end of next season, but while United have an option to extend that by 12 months to June 2021, negotiations over a new deal are under way and the 21-year-old stands to see his wages more than double to more than £150,000 a week with bonuses.

It is understood that Rashford sees his long-term future at Old Trafford and, while there are a number of suitors on the continent, including Real Madrid, who are watching his development with ­interest, United view him as ­absolutely integral to their plans.