Manchester United outcast Marcus Rashford is reportedly holding out for a 'dream' transfer to a European giant after turning down three approaches from Saudi Pro League clubs.
Speculation over the 27-year-old's future at Old Trafford has been rife since he went public with his desire to pursue a 'new challenge' in the middle of last month.
Rashford was omitted from Man United's matchday squad for four consecutive games by new head coach Ruben Amorim due to his underwhelming performances in training and general behaviour around the club's Carrington training complex.
The forward was then recalled to the squad for Monday's 2-0 Premier League defeat to Newcastle United, but he watched on as an unused substitute, with Amorim opting against bringing the Englishman on in search of a goal.
Although Rashford is under contract at Old Trafford until June 2028, it is understood that Man United will consider selling the academy graduate in the January transfer window if they receive 'top offers' for his services.
© Imago
Rashford holding out for dream move to Barcelona
A recent report claims that Man United are giving consideration to an audacious swap deal involving Rashford and Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, who is currently on loan at Galatasaray.
However, talkSPORT reports that Rashford is seeking a move to Spain, with a switch to Barcelona being his 'dream destination' should an exit from Man United materialise.
Barcelona are currently unable to register new players, though, due to Financial Fair Play regulations, with the La Liga giants having recently been forced to remove both Dani Olmo and Pau Victor from their registered list.
"Rashford would want to join Barcelona over any team, but they can't register new players," talkSPORT's chief football correspondent Alex Crook said on Thursday.
"My understanding is that his preferred destination would be Spain and therefore Barcelona, potentially, could be one of the clubs that he would be interested in signing for."
It has previously been reported that Barcelona are 'keeping an eye' on Rashford's situation at Man United and will consider making a move for the unsettled forward this month, although pursuing the Englishman is not thought to be a priority at present amid their financial issues.
© Imago
Is Rashford edging closer to Man United exit?
Earlier this week, Rashford publicly denied reports that he has met representatives of leading football agency CAA Stellar - the same agency that helped broker Gareth Bale's then world-record transfer from Tottenham Hotspur to Real Madrid in 2013.
Nevertheless, Crook believes that the Man United man's entourage have indeed spoken to agencies regarding his future, saying: "I think he has linked up several (agencies) including Stellar to negotiate a move away.
"He has been represented by his brother, Dwaine Maynard, I think if there is any move, whoever does the deal, Maynard is certainly going to want to be a big part of that.
"Stellar is one of the biggest agencies in the country. So while Rashford himself may have not spoken to Stellar, I have had it on good authority that people acting on his behalf have had those conversations."
Crook added: "I'm not sure there'd be many Premier League clubs queuing up to take Rashford. I do know Stellar have a close relationship with Tottenham so maybe that could be one to keep an eye on.
"Spain I think would appeal to him, but we all know about the financial crisis Barcelona is in. It's a really difficult situation, we're all concerned."
Rashford, who has spent his entire career with Man United since joining the club's academy at the age of seven, has made a total of 426 senior appearances, recording 138 goals and 63 assists, and has won five major trophies including two FA Cups and one Europa League.
Oliver Thomas
