Wantaway Manchester United star Marcus Rashford would prefer a move to Barcelona but is not the Catalan club's first choice, it is claimed.
Rashford, 27, has indicated he is open to a new challenge after spending his entire career at Old Trafford. The England international was sidelined by head coach Ruben Amorim, with his most recent appearance coming in the Europa League win over Viktoria Plzen on December 12, and has made just one matchday squad since.
A number of clubs have emerged as potential destinations for the forward, including France's Marseille and Monaco and Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund. The latter could put former United boss Erik ten Hag in charge before the transfer window closes, with manager Nuri Sahin sacked on Wednesday and the Dutchman tipped to take his place.
Rashford remains on Barcelona's radar as they debate whether to expand their ranks after slipping to third in La Liga. However, there appear to be two other Premier League stars lining up ahead of him.
According to Mundo Deportivo (via Sport Witness), those two men are Alexander Isak and Luis Diaz. Liverpool and Colombia striker Diaz were linked in the summer but remained at Anfield, while Isak's stock has risen after 15 goals in 20 Premier League appearances this season.
Neither Diaz nor Isak are expected to be available in January, and the same goes for another target: AC Milan star Rafa Leao. The same publication reveals that a move for Rashford is considered more realistic, although it is unclear whether they are looking for a loan or a permanent move.
Barcelona continue to play a cautious game when it comes to their wage budget, and it is expected that they will have to cut some wages from the bill before they are able to sign attacking reinforcements. Ansu Fati, who has played less than 200 minutes this season, seems the most likely candidate to leave if a buyer is found.
Barcelona made a flying start in La Liga, winning 11 of their first 12 games under new manager Hansi Flick. However, a run of just one win in the last eight has left them seven points behind leaders Real Madrid.
They needed a late comeback against Benfica in their final Champions League match to secure their place in the round of 16, trailing 3-1 and 4-2 in Lisbon before claiming a final 5-4 victory through Raphinha .
Flick's team is the top scorer in the Champions League with 26 goals, while no other team has scored more than 19. They also blew away Real Madrid in the SuperCopa final, winning 5-2 in Jeddah, but have not ruled out further attacking recruits. .
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