Last week, Marcus Rashford posted a thank you message to Aston Villa on his social media.
Aston Villa have the option to sign Rashford permanently for £40million, but the player wants to play for a Champions League club and a move to Barcelona is gathering momentum.
Rashford might have helped Unai Emery's side into the Champions League if he didn't pick up a hamstring injury in April. Rashford looked back to his best before sustaining that issue and might have been able to make a significant difference during the final weeks of the Premier League season.
Aston Villa choked at Old Trafford on the final day of the campaign instead and they will not play in Europe's premier competition next season. Rashford could still pop up in the Champions League, though.
The reports linking him with a move to Barcelona are not going away and their sporting director, Deco, went on record about Rashford when he spoke to [BBC Sport](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/ckg7yz08glpo) this week.
Deco insisted Barcelona will "not sell our best players". He said Barcelona were in the market for "two, three or four signings", without needing to enter the market "like crazy" thanks to a solid base.
And when asked if Barcelona's plans included the option of signing Rashford, or Liverpool forward Luis Diaz, he added: "We have been focusing on renewing contracts, after that, we'll discuss players to come.
"Of course, these two players, like you mentioned, they are good but have contracts in their clubs, so we won't speak because it's not fair. But when you decide to go to the market, for sure, we find some names. In my opinion, we don't need to bring many players."
Rashford wants to play Champions League football. (Image: 2019 UEFA)
Deco continued: "When I speak with the agents of the players, everyone wants to come or stay. So this is important. The image of the club is still good. We are proud because Barcelona is still such a big club, and the way we are playing football makes players want to come."
The former Barcelona midfielder also denied the Catalan club are in financial trouble, although reading between the lines hints they don't have a war chest to splash in the market.
That's why Rashford will tick a lot of boxes for Barcelona. The 27-year-old is available for £40m this summer and he is certainly worth more than that when he is playing his best football.
Barcelona's situation means they must place informed bets in the transfer market, and they will feel Rashford is worth a punt. He proved his well-being during his loan at Villa Park, looking excellent against PSG in the Champions League, and has considerable upside for a £40m transfer.
Manchester City paid £53m to sign Matheus Nunes from Wolves, Tottenham paid £50m to sign Richarlison and Chelsea paid £47.m for Raheem Sterling. They are just a handful of examples that suggest £40m for Rashford is reasonable.
Barcelona can't break the bank in the transfer market, but they have enough to stump up £40m for Rashford, and it feels like a move that could be agreed sooner rather than later in the window.
There is a lack of interest elsewhere in Rashford. Barcelona and Villa are the only clubs sitting at the table of interested parties, and it's obvious where Rashford would prefer to play.
United will not particularly care where Rashford ends up this summer as long as they can bank a fee for the academy graduate, who is set to become one of their biggest-ever sales.
The money raised from Rashford's sale will also be important for Ruben Amorim to strengthen.