Rashford's 'dream move' takes step closer as coach is 'driving' for transfer

Marcus Rashford’s hopes of moving to Barcelona have moved a step closer with a season-long loan deal now on the cards this summer.

The Catalan giants have identified Rashford as a versatile and experienced option to complement their young attacking core — particularly teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who Rashford recently described as a player “everyone would want to play alongside.”

Sources in Spain suggest Hansi Flick is driving the move, seeing Rashford as a key squad option capable of playing wide or centrally.

Manchester United, however, are understood to prefer a permanent sale. The club have placed a £40 million price tag on the 26-year-old, who still has two years remaining on his current contract.

But with few clubs willing to meet that valuation outright, a loan with an option or obligation to buy is increasingly being discussed as a compromise.

Rashford’s form dipped sharply during the first half of last season, but a productive loan spell at Aston Villa — where he registered 4 goals and 6 assists in 17 games — reminded many of his quality.

Despite that resurgence, new boss Rúben Amorim is said to view Rashford as surplus to requirements, preferring more tactically disciplined and press-intensive wide players, it is reported.

Barcelona’s financial situation complicates matters. While they are also pursuing Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, Rashford represents a more flexible and potentially more affordable option.

Any move would likely be structured around salary-sharing and performance incentives. And a loan move would still be a possibility even if Barca do get Williams.

From Rashford’s camp, there’s an openness to the switch. After over a decade at Old Trafford, the chance to revive his career in Spain — and link up with the likes of Yamal and Pedri — could be the fresh start he needs.

Whether United hold out for a full sale or agree to a creative loan deal remains to be seen, but what’s clear is that Rashford’s future is now very much away from Old Trafford.