Barcelona sporting director Deco has confirmed the club’s interest in signing Manchester United star Marcus Rashford during the summer transfer window.
Rashford was linked with the Catalan giants at the start of the year, but a deal did not materialise. He ended up joining Aston Villa on loan with an option to buy for £40 million.
He has made a good impression with 10 goal contributions from 17 appearances, but the Midlands outfit have not started negotiations over a permanent transfer thus far.
Barcelona sporting director Deco has now opened the door for Rashford by acknowledging that he is one of the names on the radar to bolster the club’s attack.
He told Catalan radio station RAC1: “We like Luis [Diaz], we like [Marcus] Rashford, and we like other players. When we go to the market, there are names that we know and that could improve the team.”
Rashford is presently on the sidelines with a hamstring injury. Villa seem reluctant to exercise the buy clause, considering he is unwilling to accept a pay cut on his £325,000 per week wages.
However, it has been reported that the 27-year-old could change his stance to secure a ‘dream move’ to Barcelona. United will be hoping for a deal to materialise over the coming weeks.
The club are still eyeing £40m for their graduate. They would prefer his transfer before the financial year ends on June 30 to boost their position under the Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
Rashford may not be the only player heading for the exit door this summer. Jadon Sancho and Antony could be leaving the club after loan stints at Chelsea and Real Betis respectively.
Alejandro Garnacho’s future at United remains in doubt. The hierarchy actively looked to sell him last winter. It is ‘highly possible‘ that he could end his association in the near future.
In our view, Casemiro’s situation could be assessed too. He will enter the last year of his contract in July. With no European football, the club may want to remove his hefty salary from their wage bill.
United require around £15m from his sale to avoid a loss under PSR.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
