Latest Manchester United transfer news with an update on Marcus Rashford's future
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Marcus Rashford during an Aston Villa game
Marcus Rashford during an Aston Villa game(Image: Visionhaus/Getty Images)
Marcus Rashford's 'dream' transfer to Barcelona could be left in tatters as the Catalan club press ahead to sign Nico Williams from Athletic Club de Bilbao instead.
The Manchester United forward has seen his long-term future become uncertain after a successful loan at Aston Villa. He scored four goals and grabbed six assists in 17 matches during the second half of the season at Villa Park and Unai Emery's side have a £40million option to make his move permanent.
However, Villa aren't expected to take up that option, meaning Rashford is going to need to find a new club for the new season. United are anticipated to sever ties with the 27-year-old and want to secure a permanent exit, with Barcelona among those that have been linked with a potential summer move.
But Barca appear to be focusing on another target, with Spain international Williams at the top of their shopping list. According to Sky Sport Germany, Barca have the 'best chance' to sign the 22-year-old ahead of Arsenal, Chelsea and Bayern Munich after 'important negotiations' took place over the last 24 hours.
Barca president Joan Laporta is now assessing whether the transfer is feasible and if Williams can be registered considering the club's financial issues. Should Barca get the green light, a move is anticipated to go ahead, and Flick is determined to sign Williams, despite having targeted Rashford and Liverpool's Luis Diaz.
Rashford, who made Barca his dream destination back in January, has been training alone in Marbella, Spain, as he tries to get himself back in shape and fit for the 2025/26 season. He hasn't played a single minute since suffering a hamstring issue in April and is bidding to get sharp and prepared for pre-season.
Earlier this month, Rashford was pictured working hard in Cannes, France, and then he posted a picture of him playing padel. David de Gea and Bruno Fernandes both left a comment on Rashford's post, with the former not believing that he had even picked up a racquet, let alone played the sport.
Back in April, Ruben Amorim hinted that Rashford could be handed a second chance at United. "All the players on loan will return and then the club will decide what to do at the end of the season," he said.
"When you put a player on loan the best thing is for them to perform. All these [loan] players have talent and they have to put that on the team."
"The talent of Rashford, the talent of Antony, they all have talent," Amorim added. "We are really happy because if you put players on loan you want them to perform. That is good for us."
Rashford wasn't the only United player to have spent time out on loan last season, with Tyrell Malacia at PSV, Antony at Real Betis and Jadon Sancho at Chelsea.
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