Manchester United's Marcus Rashford spent the second half of the season on loan at Aston Villa
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Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford(Image: Getty Images)
Barcelona appear to be pushing ahead with a deal to sign Marcus Rashford from Manchester United.
Rashford spent the second half of the season on loan at Aston Villa, who have a £40m option to sign the England international.
However, Villa do not have the first refusal to sign Rashford and the forward wants to join Barcelona this summer.
Multiple reports in Spain claim that Rashford’s agent was present in Barcelona on Wednesday morning to meet with Barcelona director Deco.
Barcelona’s first-choice target is said to be Liverpool winger Luis Díaz, but it is a very difficult deal to strike.
As a result, Rashford has emerged as a viable target for the Catalan giants, who have a couple of other forwards on their radar as well.
Rashford made a total of 17 appearances for Villa while on loan, scoring four goals and recording six assists.
The 27-year-old took to Instagram to thank all connected to Villa for their support during his time at the club.
"Just a message of thanks to everyone here at Villa for what has - injury aside - been an incredible few months for me," he wrote. "It is a really special club and I appreciated the way Villa fans embraced me with open arms from 1st minute on the pitch.
"Manager, team, and coaching staff have all been brilliant. I know it's a huge disappointment not to have made the Champions League place - which everyone worked so hard all season for - but I know this club and team will come back stronger."
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