Spanish international’s refusal to “accept his exit” has “complicated” matters for La Liga giants in their race for Rashford – report

Manchester United are plotting to move Marcus Rashford on this January after the forward revealed his desire to leave and try a new adventure.

AC Milan, who were in pole position not too long ago, have since moved on to other targets leaving Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund to fight over the Mancunian.

And while the Englishman’s heart is set on a move to the Catalan giants, Barca are not finding it easy to come up with funds owing to La Liga’s 1:1 rule.

Which is why they would prefer to move on Ansu Fati in order to make room for the United No 10. But so far, the Spaniard has refused to leave, thereby complicating matters for the Camp Nou outfit.

Barcelona struggling due to Ansu Fati’s reluctance to depart

As revealed by SPORT, Barcelona are in a hurry to figure out a way out of this conundrum because Dortmund are advancing very fast with their negotiations with the England international.

Rashford, who has not played a single minute since being dropped from the Manchester derby squad, is desperate for action which is why he is pushing for an early resolution.

However, while Barca could drag this process till February 3, Dortmund are ready to offer a loan proposal and tie up matters by this week itself.

“FC Barcelona cannot afford to rest on their hands in their attempt to sign Marcus Rashford. His arrival at the Blaugrana club could be very complicated if the operation is delayed too long.

“The reason for the urgency for Barça is the great interest shown by Borussia Dortmund in securing his loan for the second half of the championship.

Dortmund in pole position

“Barça do not want to rush and the first intention is to close the exit of Ansu Fati so that Rashford can take his place in the team, but as long as the striker does not accept the exit, the arrival of a name that Hansi Flick likes very much becomes complicated.

“Rashford does not want to be out of action for any longer. Barça is the best option at all levels, but the club must ensure financial fair play to sign him.  It all depends on whether Rashford wants to wait for FC Barcelona until February 3 or opt for Dortmund this week.”

Hansi Flick is a great admirer of the Carrington graduate but unless Barca can get their finances in order, Dortmund could be the one to take advantage.

While United would prefer a permanent solution, Rashford’s humongous wages and his asking price means a loan exit is the only possibility at this stage of the season.

INEOS hope the Manchester-born star can regain his form during the loan spell and in the process, be sold for a high fee in the summer that will count as pure profit owing to his homegrown status.

Feature image Michael Regan via Getty Images

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