Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford. Photo: Martin Rickett/PA Wire
Manchester United and Barcelona are close to agreeing a deal that will see striker Marcus Rashford making a move to join the Spanish champions.
Rashford has made no secret of his desire to join the Catalan giants and when asked earlier this summer if he would like to play in the same team as Barca teenager Lamine Yamal, he made his feeling clear as he stated: “Yes, for sure. Everyone wants to play with the best. Hopefully. We’ll see.”
Now a deal seems to be edging closer, with United open to a season long loan deal that will then give Barcelona an option to sign the 27-year-old on a permanent basis next summer.
Rashford spent the second half of last season on loan at Aston Villa, after he went public in his desire to leave United after spending his entire career with the club.
He has not returned to United’s training base ahead of the new season after he was granted an extended period of leave to try and seal a move away from the club.
Now that move appears to be edging closer, with Sky Sports reporting Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has given the green light to the deal after holding talks with Rashford in recent days.
Rashford’s exit would be a major boost to United boss Ruben Amorim, who is keen to off-load players no longer in his plans as he looks to rebuild his forward line ahead of the new season.
United have agreed a fee to sign Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo, while striker Matheus Cunha arrived from Wolves last month.
Richard Jolly: Why €80m Hugo Ekitike looks like the latest piece in Liverpool’s post-Salah plan
James Ducker: Inside Manchester United’s 50-day summer rebuild – and the huge challenges ahead