Barcelona in Talks to Sign Manchester United's Rashford

Marcus Rashford has not played for Manchester United since being substituted during their 2-1 Europa League win at Viktoria Plzen on December 12.

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford is reportedly nearing a transfer to Barcelona, a move he has been keen on since expressing a desire for a new challenge in December after being dropped by head coach Ruben Amorim. Talks involving intermediaries have taken place, with optimism that a deal can be struck. The potential transfer would start with a loan and include an option to buy.

Barcelona had initially been pursuing Spain winger Nico Williams but he extended his contract with Athletic Bilbao. Rashford spent the latter part of the previous season on loan at Aston Villa, where he made 17 appearances, scoring four goals and providing six assists. He is among five United players, and the highest-paid one, who have been training separately from Amorim's squad due to uncertainties over their futures. Rashford believes he won't play for United again while Amorim remains at the club.

Rashford's move to Barcelona could benefit United financially as they aim to reinforce Amorim's squad. The club has already committed over £130m to signings, and further deals may need to be funded through player departures. Even if Rashford's departure is initially a loan, the wage bill savings would be substantial, as he is one of the highest earners at the club.

Barcelona's sporting director Deco has expressed admiration for Rashford and other players like Luis Diaz. Rashford has also indicated his interest in playing alongside Barcelona's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. His current contract with Manchester United runs until June 2028, but he has not been assigned a squad number for the new season and was left behind to train while the team traveled to Sweden for a pre-season match against Leeds United.

Rashford, who made his debut for Manchester United in 2016, has scored 138 goals in 426 appearances for the club. He has not featured for the team since the Europa League match against Viktoria Plzen. Amorim dropped him for a league derby against Manchester City last season, citing concerns about his training efforts. If Rashford moves to Barcelona, he would be joining a team that achieved a league and cup double in the first season under manager Hansi Flick.