Barcelona have identified Manchester United star Marcus Rashford as a ‘market bargain’ to complete their dream attack, according to Sport.
The England international spent the second half of last season on loan with Aston Villa, where he scored four goals and provided six assists.
Villa decided against triggering a £40 million buy clause as Rashford refused to accept a sizeable pay cut on his £325,000 per week wages.
The United graduate is prepared to reduce his salary to join Barcelona instead, but Sport suggest he may have to wait for it.
Hansi Flick’s side are in the process of signing Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams but have not ruled out a move for Rashford.
The Blaugrana consider him a backup for Robert Lewandowski. He is regarded as the ‘icing on the cake’ to complete their dream attack.
The La Liga giants have no plans to meet the £34 million price tag, and could instead propose a loan deal prior to the deadline.
Rashford has turned down proposals from Villa, Newcastle United and Chelsea as he dreams of signing for the Catalan giants.
Man Utd could loan out Rashford next season
The 27-year-old had a productive loan stint with Villa in the Premier League, but he has no plans of rejoining the Midlands outfit.
Rashford has the ambition of playing in the Champions League. Chelsea and Newcastle are interested (as per Sport), but it seems clear that Barcelona are his preferred destination.
The Blaugrana explored a winter move for Rashford, but a deal did not materialise. They could now make a late loan proposal, knowing the Englishman is ready to wait for them.
United may have no choice but to sanction another loan exit, considering his hefty wages.
It is unlikely that Rashford will be reintegrated into the squad after falling out with manager Ruben Amorim before the Manchester derby in December.
Matheus Cunha has recently been signed from Wolves to bolster the attacking department, and Bryan Mbeumo is poised to join from Brentford pretty soon.
United could accept Rashford’s exit on loan for a small fee with his salary covered. In that way, they could save at least £17 million per year which would cover Cunha and Mbeumo’s wages.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com