Manchester United are expected to sell Marcus Rashford this summer after impressing on loan with La Liga side Barcelona, but his future still remains somewhat up in the air
Manchester United are expected to sell Marcus Rashford this summer.
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Barcelona reportedly need to sell a high-earner in order to sign Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni this summer, with Robert Lewandowski tipped to leave the Nou Camp. The Catalan giants have struggled to register new signings and must comply with La Liga's Financial Fair Play regulations.
Hansi Flick's side hold an option-to-buy on Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford on a permanent basis this summer after he impressed during his loan spell. Should Lewandowski depart the Nou Camp this summer, it would leave Barcelona light on attacking options and short of experience.
Which is precisely where Rashford enters the picture. There has been some speculation suggesting Barca would favour another loan for the England international, in order to secure him at a reduced cost, but United are determined to offload the academy graduate on a permanent basis.
There are contradictory reports surrounding Lewandowski's future, however, with some sources claiming Barcelona have presented the veteran with a fresh contract on considerably reduced wages.
AC Milan and Juventus are said to be eyeing a move for Lewandowski, which could clear the path for Rashford's permanent exit, provided the clubs can reach a financial agreement. Pin Zahavi, Lewandowski's representative, was in Milan for talks with the Serie A club a few nights ago, according to reports in Italy hinting that a departure could be on the horizon.
Barcelona are said to be eyeing a move for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez, but Rashford would represent a considerably cheaper option to push through given the pre-agreed fee in the region of £25million.
Marcus Rashford celebrates a goal for Barcelona
Marcus Rashford is closing in on a permanent Barcelona move(Image: AP)
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Atleti have slapped an asking price in the region of £175m on Alvarez, with Barcelona not able to match that figure.
The La Liga club have been forced to think outside the box in the transfer market, and signing Rashford rather than Alvarez would free up funds to strengthen other areas of the squad. Flick is a huge admirer of Rashford and is 'very happy' with the loanee's displays this season.
Speaking earlier this month, the German said: "It's not just about pressing with the ball, you also have to defend, but he's (Rashford) doing things well and has adapted. We're going to play against Atletico and they're good on the wings."
Should Barcelona manage to offload Lewandowski's wages, they would also receive a considerable financial boost ahead of any future transfer business.
The La Liga side are also reportedly willing to allow young defender Hector Fort to head to the San Siro as part of any agreement to sign Bastoni.
Inter's asking price is said to be in the region of £60million for Bastoni, who is regarded as the ideal signing to bolster Barca's vulnerable backline.
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