Marcus Rashford is at the centre of a multi-million pound scramble as the world’s leading sportswear giants try to prise him away from Nike.
The Manchester United striker is in line for a hugely lucrative boot sponsorship deal that will send his already iconic status soaring.
Puma are among the companies keen on making Rashford the face of their brand - though industry sources expect all the major brands to make approaches.
Rashford’s current deal with Nike is expiring, news that has alerted a host of athletic-wear firms to the England star’s potential availability.
Puma are just one of companies to have already registered a concrete interest in Rashford, who has become one of the most recognisable public figures in the country thanks to his tireless campaigning against child hunger and his performances for United - though the player has not engaged in any formal conversations outside his current kit deal with Nike.
Having recently signed Paris Saint-Germain icon Neymar, in a deal worth a reported £21million a year, Puma have turned their attentions to Rashford, who they view as the perfect brand ambassador given his iconic status on and off the pitch.
Puma have also expressed an interest in Manchester City star Raheem Sterling, whose own deal with Nike has expired, in recent months.
Sportsmail understands England star Sterling had been in talks over a staggering Puma deal worth a minimum of £10-12million across the term, though this is excluding other substantial performance-related bonuses.
Puma had been discussing a significantly more lucrative deal for Sterling but those terms have been revised due to various factors, namely the financial effects of the Covid pandemic.
But the brand are keeping their options open and are now exploring their interest in Rashford.
It is clear, however, Puma will not be the only brand looking to add Rashford to their roster, with a host of leading companies understood to have made initial enquires.
It’s important to stress that Nike also have matching rights to any rival offer made to the 23-year-old and there is a feeling the forward is open to continuing the long-standing partnership if an agreement can be reached.
Indeed, Rashford signed to Nike aged 11 and is the youngest footballer to ever sign for the iconic brand - a collaboration he holds close to his heart.
But his 12 year association with the sportswear giants is now under significant threat with rival companies ready to lure him away.
Puma, however, are known to have a significant budget and are hopeful of winning the race to sign Rashford.
