Barcelona in advanced talks to sign Marcus Rashford

Barcelona are advancing with talks to sign Marcus Rashford on a season-long loan deal from Manchester United.

The Spanish giants are in discussions with Manchester United over an initial loan move with an option to buy, after the forward was told he has no future at Old Trafford.

Rashford has been training alone at Old Trafford and Barca boss Hansi Flick believes the England international versatility makes him an attractive proposition and top alternative to Nico Williams.

Williams was the Barcelona’s top attacking target this summer, but he opted not to move to the Nou Camp in favour of signing a new long-term deal with Athetic Bilbao instead.

Rashford is one of Manchester United’s highest-paid players, earning in excess of £350,000-a-week.

But, having spent the second-half of last season on loan at Aston Villa, Rashford has been told he has no future under Ruben Amorim.

His No.10 shirt has already been handed over to new signing Matheus Cunha, who has joined from Wolves for £62.5million.

Rashford impressed on loan at Villa Park with four goals and six assists in 17 appearances, but Unai Emery and his club decided to pass on their option to sign him permanently for £40m.

It’s now looking like Rashford will start a new adventure at Barcelona.

Rashford has made 426 appearances for United since his debut in 2016, scoring 138 goals and assisting 79.

The 27-year-old is a two-time FA Cup and two-time Carabao Cup winner with his boyhood club. He has also lifted the Europa League and Community Shield.

Rashford last featured for United in their 2-1 Europa League win against FC Viktoria Plzen in December.