Barcelona are advancing in a move to sign Marcus Rashford from Manchester United, according to Tier 1 reporter David Ornstein.
The Blaugrana have been flirting all summer with the idea of a deal for Rashford, but it is fair to say he was not their first choice.
The Catalans had first tried to sign Nico Williams from Athletic Club, but this was rebuffed.
They then turned their attentions to Liverpool’s Luis Diaz, but an initial refusal and an eye-watering asking price put paid to that idea.
This has all worked out well for Rashford, who has had his heart set on a move to the Camp Neu from day one.
Deal practically done
Ornstein says “Barcelona have made an offer via intermediaries to loan Rashford next season and the proposal includes an option to buy.
“The idea has been agreed to by United and although it is not yet a done deal, talks between all parties are now at the final stages.”
From United’s perspective, a loan is not ideal. The club needs to raise funds to buy players and Rashford represented one of the best opportunities of doing so.
However, the player’s single-mindedness over his destination left United with little choice other than to get his wages, or part of them, off the books and hope that the deal will be made permanent in 12 months’ time.
Versatility the attraction
Ornstein also notes that “Barcelona have been looking for an attacker who can operate in wide areas and up front, which makes Rashford an attractive option.”
The player made a point of saying in a Youtube interview recently that he thinks he can do a job at centre forward, which would make him Robert Lewandowski’s understudy.
Competition on the wings at Barca is fierce with Lamine Yamal and Raphinha among those who will give the Wythemshawe man plenty of competition.
Featured image Mike Hewitt via Getty Images
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Red Billy
Red Billy is the managing editor of The Peoples Person, author of three books and totally obsessed with football’s transfer market. Billy still insists Matteo Darmian and Alex Telles could have made it at United given half a chance.
