Latest Aston Villa news from BirminghamLive brings you what has been said about Rashford following his loan spell with Villa last season
Marcus Rashford.
Marcus Rashford.(Image: Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)
Marcus Rashford has turned his back on a move to Saudi Arabia after receiving a highly-lucrative offer and has set his sights on joining Barcelona.
Rashford is destined to leave Manchester United this summer after an impressive spell at Aston Villa last season which yielded four goals and six assists in 17 games.
But according to the latest reports, he only has eyes for Barcelona having been told he is surplus to requirements at United.
While Rashford does not feature in Ruben Amorim's plans, a move to Spain is now looking increasingly likely.
But a major problem with the deal is Rashford's bumper contract at United which sees him earn around £325,000-a-week.
He is also under contract until 2028 meaning United have a strong hand over his transfer fee and Barcelona don't have those sums available.
United are reportedly demanding £40m for them to part company with Rashford but Mundo Deportivo say he has rejected a move to the Middle East because he is waiting for Barcelona.
The report says that Rashford was offered a deal worth €40m (£34m) by an unnamed Saudi side, but he dismissed it out of hand.
His representatives have held talks with Barca and the England forward is said to be willing to lower his wages in order to achieve his dream move.
The problem is that United want a permanent sale for their academy product and Barca would like to sign him on loan with the option to buy for £30m to £40m.
If they accept a loan deal on the condition that Barca pay Rashford’s wages that would save them around £17m over a year.
The news comes after Barca failed in their pursuit of Nico Williams, who ended up signing a new 10-year contract with Athletic Bilbao after Barca said they were willing to trigger his €58m release clause.
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