Manchester United winger Marcus Rashford is earmarked for an exit in the summer transfer window after spending the second-half of the campaign at Aston Villa
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Manchester United winger Marcus Rashford in action for Aston Villa
Manchester United winger Marcus Rashford in action for Aston Villa
(Image: Getty Images)
Manchester United winger Marcus Rashford has sent a message to Lamine Yamal amid speculation linking him with a transfer to Barcelona.
MEN Sport reported that Barca had weighed up a move for Rashford in the January transfer window after it became clear that he was no longer in Ruben Amorim's plans. However, due to their ongoing financial difficulties and their lack of interest in a loan, they did not pursue a deal.
It is believed to be Rashford's dream to play for Barcelona, and when it became clear the Catalan club would not be pursuing their interest formally, a switch to Aston Villa was soon agreed. Unai Emery personally pushed to sign the England international, as he felt he could help him rediscover his form.
While that has been the case somewhat, his momentum was dashed after picking up a hamstring injury which may have ended his season. Rashford has been undertaking hot weather training in Dubai to help improve his chances of returning before the end of the campaign, but that seems unlikely now.
Villa and United agreed to a buy option when the loan was confirmed in the winter. It is understood that the West Midlands club have first refusal on Rashford for a price of £40m.
However, it is not guaranteed that Rashford will move to Villa Park even if Emery's team are willing to pay the asking price. The forward would need to agree personal terms before green lighting a move.
With speculation mounting that Barca could swoop in if Villa don't get an agreement in place, Rashford showed his clear admiration for their current sensation - Yamal. The teenager scored on Sunday as Barcelona beat Real Madrid 4-3 in La Liga.
After the match, the 17-year-old celebrated the victory on social media and included an image of himself meeting Arsenal great Thierry Henry. To the post, Rashford replied: "Young king."
At the time of writing, the comment has garnered more than 64,000 likes. If Rashford were to sign for Barcelona, it is expected that he would play in rotation with Yamal, as his ability to play as a winger and a centre-forward is seen as appealing for the La Liga giants.
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