In a significant development, Marcus Rashford's representatives have engaged in direct discussions with Barcelona regarding a potential transfer before the window closes, sources have informed ESPN.
The 27-year-old Manchester United forward has found himself out of favor at Old Trafford under head coach Ruben Amorim, leading to speculation about his future. United have indicated their willingness to consider loan offers, though they are stipulating that any interested club must cover a portion of Rashford's wages.
According to sources, Barcelona had been presented with the opportunity to acquire Rashford before the transfer window commenced. While the Catalan club has expressed interest in being kept informed about the situation, they face financial hurdles that need resolution before they can initiate formal negotiations with United. The move would likely require Barcelona to first facilitate the departures of Eric García and Ansu Fati to create the necessary financial flexibility.
Internal discussions at Barcelona have raised questions about the necessity of Rashford's acquisition, given that Raphinha currently occupies the left-wing position. However, club president Joan Laporta is reportedly an admirer of the England international, potentially influencing the club's pursuit.
Rashford's last appearance for United came in their 2-1 victory over FC Viktoria Plzen on December 12, with his absence from the team attributed to criticism from Amorim regarding his training performances. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Rashford participated in regular training with the United squad at Carrington on Wednesday morning, ahead of their Europa League fixture against Rangers on Thursday.
While Borussia Dortmund has also emerged as a potential destination for Rashford, doubts persist about the Bundesliga club's capacity to shoulder a significant portion of his salary, potentially limiting their involvement in negotiations.
