Barcelona are reportedly considering making a move for Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford before the end of the January transfer window.
The 27-year-old is set to leave Man United this month, most likely on loan, with AC Milan, Juventus, Borussia Dortmund and Napoli among the clubs believed to be interested in his services.
Rashford is allegedly desperate to make the move to Spain; Real Madrid are not an option, while it had been thought that Barcelona's financial problems would also rule them out of the race.
However, according to Relevo, the Catalan giants are keeping a close eye on Rashford's situation at Old Trafford, and a move for the forward could be made before the January transfer window closes for business.
Hansi Flick's side are waiting for the futures of Dani Olmo and Pau Victor to be resolved, with the pair only registered on a temporary basis at this moment in time, but a big-money January sale would do a lot for Barcelona's financial situation, and Ronald Araujo is being heavily linked with a departure.
Juventus are thought to be determined to sign Araujo, who is out of contract in June 2026, and the Uruguay international would command a huge transfer fee considering how highly he is rated in world football.
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Barcelona 'keeping an eye' on Rashford situation
At this moment, it is understood that Barcelona are behind when it comes to the race for Rashford, but the Catalan outfit have allegedly not ruled themselves out despite the recent rumours.
Man United are believed to value Rashford in the region of £40m, while his £315,000-a-week wages are also problematic when it comes to a potential permanent transfer this month.
Paris Saint-Germain are one of a select few European clubs capable of coming near that salary, but it is understood that there is no interest from the French giants at this stage of proceedings.
Rashford is said to have already turned down offers from Saudi Arabia and Turkey, meanwhile, as he wants to move to another European league in hope of winning back his England spot for the 2026 World Cup.
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Where would Rashford play for Barcelona?
When Barcelona head coach Flick has a fully-fit squad, it is difficult to imagine Rashford being a part of the first XI considering the presence of Raphinha, Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski in the final third of the field.
Rashford would offer an option off the left and through the middle, though, with Ansu Fati potentially another to leave this month.
Ferran Torres's long-term future is also in doubt, so it is not difficult to understand why Barcelona would be interested in a player of Rashford's ilk, even taking into account his recent struggles.
The forward is Man United's joint-second highest goalscorer this season with seven, but he has not turned out for the 20-time English champions since December 12, having fallen out of favour under Red Devils head coach Ruben Amorim.
Rashford is also not a part of the Man United squad for Sunday's FA Cup third-round clash against Arsenal despite overcoming the illness which contributed to him being left out against Liverpool last weekend.
Matt Law
