How Marcus Rashford could help West Ham land Tommy Watson

West Ham will be keeping tabs to see if Marcus Rashford leaves Manchester United this summer.

The England international is currently away at the World Cup as Thomas Tuchel's side have reached the semi-final.

A clash with Argentina now awaits for a place in the final with the 28-year-old potentially set to play a role.

That won't cement his future at Old Trafford as his future currently hangs in the balance.

He is set to return to the Red Devils after the summer tournament after his loan spell at Barcelona ended.

That could ultimately hand West Ham an upper hand in the race to sign Tommy Watson at the end of a transfer saga.

Manchester United can kickstart transfer ripple effect

There is still well over a month remaining in the transfer window and plenty of business is yet to be done.

Intrigue surrounds the London Stadium right now, mainly to see who will depart this summer.

One who looks likely to leave is Crysencio Summerville after having an excellent World Cup post-relegation.

Manchester United want him this summer, but the Manchester Evening News revealed on Sunday that they need to sell Rashford first.

If that happens, it will open the door for the Dutchman to come in with the funds freed up by the England international.

That would prompt a further ripple effect in East London as the Hammers go in search of a replacement.

Watson has been linked and could prove to be an ideal replacement for the ex-Leeds United man.

Why Tommy Watson could perfectly replace Crysencio Summerville at West Ham

The 24-year-old certainly had a useful campaign in claret and blue, so is rightly catching the eye elsewhere.

He will certainly be difficult replace as a left-wing option who wants to cut inside and make things happen.

Watson could do exactly that as he features on the left, but thrives on his right foot.

West Ham are in the race for his signature as the Sunderland Echo reported on Saturday that Brighton are setting out his next steps ahead of the new season.

A move to a Hammers side that is likely to be fighting at the top end of the Championship could be ideal, especially if Summerville leaves.

That will all hinge on Man United and their willingness to force Rashford out the door to spark a merry-go-round elsewhere.