Barcelona are set to step up negotiations to sign Marcus Rashford from Manchester United this week.
Rashford was again not included in the Manchester United squad for Sunday’s 3-1 defeat to Brighton in the Premier League. The 27-year-old has not featured since being dropped for the Manchester Derby last month, after which he expressed interest in leaving Old Trafford.
Interest in signing Rashford is high, with several leading clubs around Europe keen on a loan deal. United are understood to be reluctant to sanction Rashford’s exit to a Premier League rival.
AC Milan have held talks with Rashford’s representatives, while Borussia Dortmund have also spoken to the player’s camp. Dortmund are set to schedule another round of talks with Rashford’s team this week, though any deal would require Manchester United to subsidise a large portion of his wages.
Barcelona have emerged as contenders for Rashford’s signature, despite the club’s current economic issues.
Fabrizio Romano has revealed that further contact is expected this week between the Spanish side and Manchester United. Rashford’s preferred destination is believed to be Barcelona, though a deal is difficult.
Barcelona are reportedly open to allowing Ansu Fati leave this month in a bid to facilitate the transfer of Rashford, though there is a reluctance from the former Brighton loanee to move on mid-season. Another option to generate funds is Eric Garcia. The centre-back spent last season on loan at Girona, who are keen to re-sign Garcia. However, Barcelona boss Hansi Flick would prefer to keep the 24-year-old as part of his squad in Catalonia.
