Barcelona are reportedly ready to 'pull out all the stops' in a bid to sign Marcus Rashford from Manchester United.
Rashford is expected to leave Old Trafford this month after falling out of favor under Ruben Amorim and is in talks over an initial move to AC Milan. However, Barcelona could now hijack the deal.
According to a report from Spanish newspaper Sport, the club has 'made an offer' for Rashford after sporting director Deco decided a move would be feasible. It is noted that Barcelona would 'need to generate some salary space' to complete the deal, but that money could be generated by the departure of Eric Garcia, Ronald Araujo or Ansu Fati.
Rashford has not featured in any of United's last six games in all competitions and has admitted he is ready for a “new challenge”. He said last month: “For me personally, I think I am ready for a new challenge and the next steps.
“If I leave, there won't be any hard feelings. You won't get any negative comments from me about Manchester United. That's me as a person.”
“If I know a situation is already bad, I'm not going to make it worse. I've seen other players leave in the past and I don't want to be that person. If I leave, I will make sure an explanation and it will be mine.”
Despite not featuring in any of United's last six matches, Rashford was an unused substitute for the 2–0 defeat to Newcastle. And when asked why Rashford did not come off the bench, Amorim insisted he was “not making a big deal” with his decision.
“I think about the team,” he told reporters after the game. “You think a lot about Marcus, I think about the team. When I'm there, I don't make a point. I just want to win the game.”
“And you feel that. I'm talking about the idea and the battle for relegation. Do I want to make a point during a match? No, I just want to win the match.”
During Friday's press conference, Amorim revealed that Rashford was available for selection for Arsenal, although he did not go so far as to say whether he will actually be included.
The United boss then spoke about possible transfer activity this month, casting doubt on whether they will make any major moves this month.
He said: “The first thing I think is… I don't remember saying clearly that I want new players.
“What I said is that sometimes the profile for this system is different, and the players came here with a different idea of how to play. So I don't remember saying that so clearly, that I want new players .What I said is that we need to improve recruitment.
“When we target players, we have to be sure they can meet the demands. Sometimes you have to put in a little effort.
“And what I also said is that we need to improve our academy, bring in young kids who fill the club in the right way, and with those rules we can do some business and have some money to invest in the team.” .”
Meanwhile, United youngster Ethan Ennis saw his move to Doncaster Rovers confirmed on Friday evening. The 20-year-old, who won the FA Youth Cup in 2022, will join the League Two club for the rest of the season, his first taste of football away from Old Trafford.
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