Barcelona have been given just over 24 hours to decide whether or not they want to sign Marcus Rashford.
The Manchester United forward stated last month that he’s ready for a ‘new challenge’, prompting a host of clubs to register their interest. Rashford, 27, hasn’t played for United since December 14, with new manager Ruben Amorim leaving him out of the matchday squad for six of their last seven matches.
AC Milan are currently viewed the frontrunners after holding talks with Rashford’s representatives in Italy last week. The Serie A giants are also set to offload striker Noah Okafor to RB Leipzig, freeing up space in their squad.
But Barcelona could be about to throw a spanner in the works. Manager Hansi Flick has told his bosses that he wants to sign Rashford in order to bolster his forward line.
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Catalan outlet Sport claim that Flick wanted to sign the England international while he was at Bayern Munich, although there’s concern that he might not get his wish again. Barca chiefs have pointed out Rashford’s inconsistency and whether he’s the right fit for their attack.
Barcelona already have a number of wide forwards, including Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Ferran Torres and Ansu Fati. Rashford can also play through the middle, although Torres and youngster Pau Victor have shared the role of deputising for Robert Lewandowski so far this season.
Given that Barca’s board are undecided, Rashford wants to know their intentions by Wednesday, January 15. The transfer window doesn’t close until February 3 but both Rashford and United are keen to come to a resolution over his uncertain future as soon as possible.
An issue for Barcelona to contend with is that in order to register any new player in their squad, they’ll need to offload someone. Defender Ronald Araujo has been heavily linked with a move to Juventus, although an injury to fellow centre-back Inigo Martinez could scupper his plans to leave.
Should Rashford’s move end up being a loan, it could boost Barca’s chances of fitting within La Liga’s salary cap. United manager Ruben Amorim gave an update on the 27-year-old’s situation after he was left out of the squad once again for Sunday’s trip to face Arsenal in the FA Cup.
Asked post-match if Rashford had played his final game for United, Amorim replied: “I don’t know. I don’t know, we’ll see. He is a player for Manchester United. We’ll see. He has to work. He has to represent this club, and he loves this club, but I have to make choices. [I] already spoke about how I make the choices. So it is what it is.”
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