Barcelona have reignited their pursuit of Marcus Rashford, who is likely to be sold by Manchester United despite his return to form at Aston Villa.
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Barcelona still in the race for RashfordAsking price for forward has been revealedMan Utd ready to sell their academy productFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
According to journalist Matteo Moretto, Barcelona are still in the race to sign United outcast Rashford this summer. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano also confirmed on Wednesday that the England international has been on Barca's shortlist since January, adding that he'll be available to all clubs for £40 million (€48m) when the transfer window opens.
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Rashford had a successful loan stint at Aston Villa in the second half of the season after he left United in the January transfer window. At the time, it was reported that Villa had the outright option to buy him for £40m this summer. However, earlier this month, confirmed that the Villans did not possess the right of first refusal on Rashford, with the Red Devils set to offload him to any club that can meet his £40m asking price.
While he revived his form at Villa Park, earning a comeback to the national team under Thomas Tuchel, it's not guaranteed that Villa will be able to complete his signing. As such, Barca see this as the ideal moment to capitalise, given he doesn't appear to have a future at Old Trafford under Ruben Amorim. Rashford, for his part, is also believed to be inclined towards a switch to La Liga, with his agents meeting the club's representatives this week.
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Rashford is admired by Barca head coach Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco, but he's not the only player being monitored to strengthen their attack ahead of next season. Deco himself confirmed that they like Rashford, as well as Liverpool left winger Luis Diaz, who is reportedly the Barca chief's top transfer priority. The Catalans' financial troubles are well-documented, so it remains to be seen if they can carry out a transfer operation in excess of €80m (£67m) for the Colombian this summer.
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR RASHFORD?
Rashford will be continuing his rehab during the summer break after missing the last four games of the season with a hamstring injury. He has not been named in England's 26-man squad for the upcoming international break by Tuchel, and was not included on United's post-season tour of Asia as he waits to see where his future lies.
