Manchester United attacker Marcus Rashford is preparing for the new season in Marbella, Spain as he awaits a potential transfer to FC Barcelona.
The United academy product fell out with head coach Ruben Amorim last December and was moved out on loan to Aston Villa.
He enjoyed a relatively successful loan spell at the club but did not make his move permanent as Villa failed to qualify for the Champions League for next season.
Rashford has made it clear that he has a major preference to play for Barcelona next season and both their coach, Hansi Flick and sporting director, Deco, have been complimentary of the forward in recent weeks.
It has been reported that Rashford is so desperate to play for the Spanish champions that he is prepared to take a pay cut to achieve it.
Mundo Deportivo report that he is “one of FC Barcelona’s options to strengthen their forward line next season, and the Englishman is keen to wear the Blaugrana shirt over other offers he has received.”
Barca are also interested in Liverpool’s Luis Diaz and Athletic Club’s Nico Williams but his cheaper price reportedly gives him an edge. Also, his versatility to play in all attacking positions is considered a plus point.
The Catalan paper reports that, “while waiting to decide his future, Rashford is currently training in Marbella to stay in shape and be in top condition for the start of the season.”
His campaign ended early with a hamstring problem but he has recovered fully and is now following a “specific preparation plan, including field and gym sessions”.
Rashford is far from guaranteed his dream move to Spain and may need to consider other options, however.
Barcelona are also pursuing Ivan Perisic on a free transfer. There are also doubts among some key figures at the Camp Nou about signing the player, which hardly helps his cause.
The Spanish side need to wait until nearer the end of the window to assess their financial capabilities and this delay will not help their case. United are seeking a quick resolution to the Rashford saga with Inter Milan also reportedly interested in his services.
Feature image Dan Istitene via Getty Images
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Alex Browne
Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Proud owner of such niche shirts such as Kleberson, Eric Djemba-Djemba and Gary Neville. Grew up pretending to be Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the back garden, with little success.
