Manchester United winger Marcus Rashford is set for a busy summer as he looks to secure his future beyond Old Trafford
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Manchester United winger Marcus Rashford
Manchester United winger Marcus Rashford(Image: PA)
Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford is all but guaranteed to be sold this summer having convincingly fallen out of Ruben Amorim's plans.
After being dropped entirely for the Manchester derby in December, Rashford did not play another minute for Amorim before being loaned to Aston Villa in the January transfer window. While at Villa Park, the winger partially rediscovered his form before suffering a season-ending injury that curtailed his momentum.
Villa hold a £40m option to buy Rashford this summer but they do not hold first refusal on the player. This has led to one club becoming increasingly proactive in their attempts to sign the United academy graduate.
With the summer transfer window now open, MEN Sport has rounded up the latest news surrounding Rashford's future.
Barcelona stance
According to Mundo Deportivo, Rashford is a top target for Barcelona this summer as they look for a winger who can also provide cover for Robert Lewandowski when needed. However, the Spanish publication adds that Liverpool's Luis Diaz is the priority at present.
It is claimed that while a move for Rashford is not over if Diaz signs, Barca would prefer to sign the United man on loan this summer before making his move permanent at the end of the 2025/26 season.
Transfer timeline set
Speaking to BBC Sport, Barcelona's sporting director Deco admitted that an imminent move for Rashford this summer is not to be expected. Instead, United will need to wait until Barca have decided the future of their current players.
"Of course, these two players [Rashford and Liverpool's Luis Diaz], like you mentioned, they are good but have contracts in their clubs, so we won't speak because it's not fair," Deco explained. "But when you decide to go to the market, for sure, we find some names.
Barcelona's sporting director Deco
Deco, sporting director of FC Barcelona, during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona v Getafe at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium on February 24, 2024.
"We have been focusing on renewing contracts [at the moment], after that, we'll discuss players to come."
Rashford's contract message and summer plans
In the meantime, Rashford has been keeping his preparations up ahead of a new club move next season. He has been active on social media showing himself performing sprint sessions in a hot climate as he continues his rehabilitation.
He also sent his support to former teammate David de Gea after he committed his long-term future to Fiorentina this week. Rashford replied with a love heart emoji after De Gea shared news of his new contract until 2028 on Instagram.
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