Marcus Rashford spotted in Barcelona link up as Man Utd swap transfer ‘underway’

Marcus Rashford has made the headlines in Spain for a social media interaction with Barcelona superstar Lamine Yamal amid transfer links to the club. The Manchester United forward is reportedly being lined up for a blockbuster swap deal, with Ruben Amorim already deciding he wants to boost his budget by cashing in.

Rashford fuelled uncertainty surrounding his future on Monday by admitting that he was preparing to leave his boyhood club.

“For me, personally, I think I’m ready for a new challenge and the next steps,” Rashford told journalist Henry Winter in an interview.

“When I leave, it’s going to be ‘no hard feelings’. You’re not going to have any negative comments from me about Manchester United. That’s me as a person.

“If I know that a situation is already bad, I’m not going to make it worse. I’ve seen how other players have left in the past, and I don’t want to be that person.

“When I leave, I’ll make a statement, and it will be from me. Yes [I’ll always be a Red]! 100 per cent. 100 per cent.”

According to Spanish outlet Madrid-Barcelona, the Nou Camp is emerging as a genuine possibility for Rashford’s next destination.

It’s claimed that United want to shift the 27-year-old overseas rather than to a Premier League rival after Amorim made it clear he doesn’t fit in with his plans.

The Red Devils will reportedly consider all offers as early as January, and Barcelona manager Hansi Flick wants a new winger in the ilk of Yamal and Raphinha.

A lucrative swap deal is said to be underway, with Barca president Joan Laporta ready to send Ronald Araujo or Frenkie de Jong to Old Trafford if United offer Rashford plus cash.

The report adds that Deco has been tasked with negotiating a transfer and that the La Liga giants are willing to free up room on their wage bill so that Rashford doesn’t have to take a pay cut.

The England international is believed to earn around £325,000-a-week after signing a new United contract until 2028 last year.

Rashford caused a frenzy in the Spanish media by commenting on an Instagram post by Yamal, celebrating his unveiling of the Golden Boy trophy to Barcelona fans.

He aimed a ‘fire’ emoji at the 17-year-old wonderkid and would undoubtedly pounce at the opportunity to link up with him on the pitch.

Just 15 goals since the start of last season have sparked swirling speculation about whether Rashford has run his course in M16.

Amorim’s decision to exclude him from his matchday squad in Sunday’s derby victory at Manchester City – a day before his bombshell exit claim – may have been the final straw.