Barcelona have been offered an alternative option to Marcus Rashford but huge doubts have been flagged - potentially scuppering a deal.
The Blaugrana have been installed as favourites for the out-of-favour Manchester United star, who has been left of Ruben Amorim's matchday squad for three consecutive games.
Rashford has expressed his interest in leaving his boyhood club for a new challenge after delivering a bombshell interview with Henry Winter, and a new report from the Manchester Evening News claims United have made the 27-year-old available for transfer in the upcoming January transfer window.
The outlet also say sources close to Rashford have accused United of 'informing clubs' of his availability and that he is unhappy over being unaware of the developments' regarding his situation.
Barca are said to be admirers of the England international, with one recent report claiming that the Blaugrana, favourites to sign Rashford with the bookies, had already approached United to sign Rashford on a loan deal with an option to buy for £35 million.
It's said United turned down the deal as it did not meet their asking price.
Marcus Rashford's time at Manchester United looks to be coming to an end. Image: Getty
Marcus Rashford's time at Manchester United looks to be coming to an end. Image: Getty
Barcelona are on the market for another attacker and have also been linked with Rafael Leao and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia of AC Milan and Napoli respectively.
But Catalan newspaper SPORT say they are also keen on Chelsea's Christopher Nkunku and were even offered his services by agent Pini Zahavi, who also represents Hansi Flick and Robert Lewandowski.
The Frenchman, a £52 million signing from RB Leipzig, is not part of Chelsea's first XI under Enzo Maresca and has been behind Nicolas Jackson in the pecking order.
He is on Barcelona's radar as a result, though it would likely need to be a loan deal with Chelsea covering a sizeable portion of wages due to the La Liga leaders still having problems paying big salaries.
The report also notes that Barcelona have some reservations about Nkunku's physical condition after he spent a large part of last season out injured.
Christopher Nkunku has struggled to cement a regular place in Chelsea's starting XI. Image: Getty
Christopher Nkunku has struggled to cement a regular place in Chelsea's starting XI. Image: Getty
Their view on Nkunku could therefore make a move for Rashford more appealing for the Catalan giants - though the financial aspect would still prove difficult.
Ruben Amorim doubles down on Rashford stance
After the 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth, United boss Amorim maintained the same approach in discussing the continued absence of Rashford.
He said: "It’s my decision and it always will be. It is selection. I want to see the best of my players and I try different things with different players. That’s my focus."
Rashford has played 24 times for United this season, scoring seven goals. The Red Devils are currently 13th in the Premier League and will be in the bottom half of the table for Christmas for the first time since 1989.