Marcus Rashford still clings to Barcelona dream as Nico Williams edges closer

Forward Marcus Rashford is expected to leave Manchester United this summer after falling out with manager Ruben Amorim.

He thrived on loan at Aston Villa but is uninterested in joining the club due to a lack of Champions League football.

The West Midlands outfit would also struggle to pay his £40 million valuation and wage demands.

Newcastle United have been credited with a loan move for the English forward, but it remains to be seen whether they will further their interest in him.

Inter Milan have also ‘tentatively enquired about Rashford‘ but would only consider a loan deal.

The England international’s preferred destination is Barcelona, but they are prioritising a move for Athletic Bilbao forward Nico Williams.

Barcelona have already agreed personal terms with the Spanish international and are working on reaching an agreement with Athletic.

However, Rashford still believes he can secure a move to the Catalonia outfit.

Rashford does not feel Barcelona’s move for Williams will affect his potential switch to Camp Nou and has expressed interest in playing as the club’s striker, according to The Athletic.

His ability to play as a striker is one reason Barcelona have shown interest in him. The La Liga champions want a deputy for the ageing Robert Lewandowski.

While Rashford still hopes to join Hansi Flick’s side, the likelihood of joining them will diminish if they sign Williams, particularly with Ferran Torres being able to play as a backup to Lewandowski.

Torres played well as a striker last season, scoring 10 goals and providing five assists in 21 games.

With a move to Barcelona now looking difficult for Rashford, he will have to explore other options.

His future could remain unresolved until late in the transfer window, potentially leading to another loan move away from United.

Article written by Henry Thornton .