Manchester United are being linked with a move for Barcelona star Marc Casado which could impact the future of Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford of Barcelona
Marcus Rashford is spending the season on loan at Barcelona from Manchester United(Image: Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
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Manchester United have been handed a blow to their hopes of signing a Barcelona midfielder, which could affect the future of Marcus Rashford. United loaned out Rashford to the La Liga giants last summer for the season, with the England international impressing during his time in Spain.
Rashford expressed a desire to leave United during pre-season last summer, and subsequently signed for Barcelona on loan with his future at Old Trafford still uncertain.
Since signing for Barca, Rashford has scored eight goals and provided 12 assists for the La Liga giants, and has been tipped to make the move permanent at the end of the season.
Away from the speculation around Rashford’s future, United have been linked with a move for Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado.
Barcelona claimed a 3-0 win over Real Oviedo in La Liga on Sunday night, with Casado playing a key role in the victory at the Camp Nou.
Casado, 22, has also been linked with Wolves and Atletico Madrid, as well as United, with speculation around the talented midfielder’s future continuing to swirl.
United have been heavily linked with signing a new midfielder this year, with Cadado one of the players mentioned as a potential candidate to replace Casemiro this summer.
With United being linked with signing Casado, there have also been tentative suggestions of a swap deal involving Rashford being agreed upon for this summer.
However, the chances of a deal of any kind for Casado and United may seem unlikely after Barcelona boss Hansi Flick dismissed the possibility of the midfielder leaving the Camp nou.
“For me, there’s no question of him leaving,” Flick said. “We need everyone. Marc is a super professional player.
“He deserved to play today [vs Real Oviedo]. He’s worked hard. I liked what I saw. That’s the Casado we want to see.”
Marc Casado during the Copa del Rey Round of 16 match between Racing de Santander and FC Barcelona.
Manchester United have been linked with a transfer interest in Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado. (Image: Quality Sport Images, Getty Images)
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Reports in recent weeks have claimed that, if Casado was to leave Barca, he would prefer to join a club outside Spain.
United have until February 2 to complete their transfer business for the month, but it’s unclear if they will be able to agree a deal for any new signings.
Flick has already issued a warning to Barcelona players, both in the first-team squad and the La Masia academy, which came as Dro Fernandez closes in on a move to Paris Saint-Germain.
"If you want to play for Barca, you have to give everything...100 per cent,” Flick said earlier this month.
“That's what I want to say to everyone who is with us now or could be with us in the future. Same applies for La Masia youngsters training with the first team.
"They have to be here 100 per cent. These colours must be defended, that's what I want to see. As for the rest, I don't want them."
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