Barcelona reportedly closing on deal to sign Rashford from Manchester United

Barcelona are reported to be “advancing” in a deal to sign Marcus Rashford from Manchester United.

The England forward is one of five players who declared their intention to leave Old Trafford following the end of the 2024-25 season.

Rashford spent the second half of that campaign on loan at Aston Villa after falling out of favour with manager Ruben Amorim.

He has made no secret of his desire to join Barca, and it appears he will now get his wish.

The Blaugrana missed out on Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams earlier in the transfer window.

But David Ornstein of The Athletic reported a deal for Rashford is now progressing towards completion.

Rashford would join on an initial loan deal with an option to buy, which would be amenable to Barca given their well-documented financial constraints.

Villa declined an option to purchase Rashford at the end of last season, despite him impressing in a spell that saw him score four goals and register five assists.

Rashford’s versatility in being able to play on both wings and through the middle would give Barca extremely useful extra depth behind their front three of Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski.

Barca have made two signings so far during the transfer window, bringing in goalkeeper Joan Garcia from Espanyol and Roony Bardghji from Copenhagen.