Marcus Rashford's future is in the spotlight as his loan at Aston Villa from Manchester United ends
Comments
Sport
Marcus Rashford of Aston Villa looks on
Marcus Rashford(Image: Getty Images)
Marcus Rashford is said to have made a proposal to Barcelona as he tries to seal a move to the Spanish giants.
Reports in Spain claim Rashford, via his agent Pini Zahavi, has proposed a loan move from Manchester United this summer, which would include an option for Barcelona to buy him permanently - just like the deal Aston Villa agreed with the Old Trafford club this season.
Rashford moved to Villa Park on loan from the Red Devils in February, with the Villans having an option to buy him for £40m this summer.
Mundo Deportivo report, however, that Rashford is not Barcelona’s first option as they target a wide forward this summer. Liverpool’s Luis Diaz is said to be sporting director Deco’s “favourite” and talks with the player’s entourage are said to have already taken place.
Barcelona boss Hansi Flick has already said he has “a clear idea” of the players he wants to sign this summer.
Flick has discussed his summer transfer plans after winning the domestic treble of La Liga, the Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup.
“I have a clear idea of what I want for the future,” he said.
“I’ve already said that I’ll talk to Deco (Barcelona sporting director) about it, because we’ll devote the necessary time to it.
“There are always things that can be improved, but in the end it has been a fantastic season.”
Deco discussed transfers at the Spanish club last week.
"I said last year we couldn't lose anyone and I think it's the same now," he told ESPN.
"If we can improve, that's always an option, but the key is to consolidate what we have for the coming years. Suddenly we feel quite dependent on Raphinha and Lamine.
"Maybe we need similar players, a solution for them [when they're not available], but the squad is quite balanced and we have a lot of good players coming through the youth teams as well."
Meanwhile, Barcelona president Joan Laporta admits it “won’t be easy” for the Spanish club to sign players this summer.
But he is still confident they will strengthen Flick’s team.
“Of course we are in the 1:1 rule,” he told RAC1. ”Of course we can sign, we are at 1:1 and I hope it will continue like this for many years. It’s true that we were very tight, so now it’s time to work.
“Yes, yes, we will be able to sign. Always with difficulties, because the ‘fair play’ regulations are very, let’s say, ‘sui generis’. It is a regulation that can be interpreted.
“We will have to keep fighting, it won’t be easy, but it will be more beautiful when we achieve it. Deco has been preparing for next season for a long time.”
Do you think Rashford will be at Villa next season? Tell us HERE