By Seyi Babalola
Manchester United forward, Marcus Rashford is on the verge of a season-long loan move to Barcelona after Manchester United handed the England forward permission to hold talks with the La Liga giants.
Rashford, 27, has spent the previous two weeks training away from Manchester United’s first-team squad after being informed by coach Ruben Amorim that he is not in Amorim’s plans at Old Trafford.
A six-month loan at Aston Villa last season failed to result in a permanent transfer for a pre-agreed cost of £40 million ($53.6 million), but sources say Rashford has always favoured a move to Barcelona since the potential of such a transfer arose in January.
And having missed out on top target Nico Williams following the Spain forward’s decision to sign a new contract with Athletic Club and Liverpool rebuffing interest in Luis Díaz, Barcelona have now turned to Rashford after United agreed to a loan deal with an option to sign the player permanently.
Rashford, who has three years remaining on his £325,000-a-week contract at Old Trafford, has scored 138 goals in 426 games for United since making his debut as an 18-year-old in February 2016.
Rashford and his representatives have now been given permission to speak to Barcelona.
This was disclosed by football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano in a post on his X account on Saturday.
According to Romano, Barcelona sent an official bid to Man United for Rashford’s signature on Saturday morning.
“Internal meeting took place in last 24h as Luis Diaz deal considered too expensive plus Barça convinced to go for Marcus,” Romano tweeted.
“Deal well underway and also approved by Hansi Flick.
“Barcelona have made direct contact with Man United for Marcus Rashford.
“Talks are ongoing for loan move with buy option, as a @TheAthleticFC
reports. Deal on between the two clubs.
“Rashford already said yes to Barcelona’s move since January; he dreams of Barça.”
Leave a comment