Marcus Rashford reportedly wants Barcelona. (Image: Getty)
Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford could disappoint AC Milan in the race for his signature by joining Barcelona this month instead, according to reports. Rashford has been widely expected to complete a January switch to the San Siro, but he is said to be holding out for a blockbuster move to Barca.
The 27-year-old forward is destined to leave United before the winter transfer deadline, having been excluded from six of ‘s last seven matchday squads.
Milan have been the frontrunners throughout the race for his signature, with Barcelona, Monaco, Borussia Dortmund, and West Ham also credited with an interest.
Earlier this week, GIVEMESPORT that Rashford was in advanced talks to join the Serie A giants and that his representatives had returned to Italian for a second wave of negotiations.
The Rossoneri was said to be his preference, but fresh reports have showered his potential arrival in doubt.
According to , Rashford is taking longer than expected to give the green light, and Milan are still waiting for an answer.
But they won’t wait forever to recruit the United No. 10, given they can only sign one English player this month, and right-back Kyle Walker is also on the agenda.
And murmurs in Spain suggest Rashford’s reason for delaying a decision on his future relates to his desire to join Barcelona.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has reportedly blocked a Premier League move. (Image: Getty)
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claim that the England international is prioritising a move to Catalonia to work with Hansi Flick at the Estadi Olimpic.
Barcelona can’t currently press forward with their desire to recruit Rashford as they require funds through exits.
However, a deal is considered possible this month because of the La Liga heavyweights’ return to the competition’s 1:1 rule.
The 1:1 rule allows clubs to invest 84p (€1) for every such fee raised through sponsorships – a significant change from the previous 4:1 requirements.
Barcelona’s financial turmoil has been well documented, but the club always seems to be freeing up space to complete their desired transfer business.
Rashford almost definitely won’t be joining a rival after blocked such a prospect.
He is set to be absent from another United squad in tonight’s clash against Southampton at Old Trafford.
“I just want to win tomorrow [against Southampton],” Amorim explained at Carrington ahead of a must-win meeting with the rock-bottom Saints.
“My focus is to win tomorrow; I will choose the players that I think are best to win the game tomorrow. I am just focused on that.”