Marcus Rashford could leave Manchester United permanently this summerplaceholder image
Marcus Rashford could leave Manchester United permanently this summer | Getty Images
Marcus Rashford is keen on a move to Barcelona, and it is understood that the Spanish club are interested in him.
One of the main stories of Manchester United’s summer transfer window is all about the future of Marcus Rashford, who has told the Red Devils that he wants to leave the club this summer.
After his loan spell at Aston Villa, Rashford came back to United as the Birmingham-based club decided against paying £40m to sign him permanently. Since the end of the season, a move to Barcelona has looked the most likely.
Barcelona prioritise Luis Diaz
There have been discussions over a move for Rashford to join Barcelona, but reports in Spain are now suggesting that the La Liga giants are prioritising a move to sign Liverpool winger Luis Diaz.
They had been looking at a move for Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams, but he recently signed a new 10-year contract, and so stalled the chance of any move to Barcelona. The Spanish giants want to sign Diaz as Williams’ alternative.
According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Diaz is now Barcelona’s number one target. The report says that Diaz’s agent has been in talks over a move to join the Spanish side, and that it is understood that the Colombian will ask Liverpool to leave for the Nou Camp.
A potential transfer fee has not been reported, but Diaz is estimated to be worth around £60m, but the Reds could demand more after a season where the winger scored 17 goals and provided six assists.
If these reports are true, then it significantly damages United’s chances of selling Rashford to Barcelona, as they likely won’t want to spend an additional £40m to bring in the England international if they already have Diaz, who plays a similar position.
What could happen to Marcus Rashford instead?
If a permanent transfer to Barcelona looks unlikely, then the immediate alternative is a loan deal with an option or obligation for the Spanish side to buy him. However, it has been said that Man United prefer a permanent sale, and won’t want to pay much of his wages if Rashford was to leave on loan.
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