Marcus Rashford sets sight on next move after £40m transfer decision

Marcus Rashford was handed a huge blow this weekend after picking up a hamstring issue that has ended his season after impressing on loan – and now he will return to Manchester United for medical checks

Marcus Rashford is willing to take a pay cut to seal a dream move to Barcelona and draw a line under his Manchester United career. Rashford is understood to have set his heart on joining Spanish giants Barca, knowing he has no chance of playing for United again while Ruben Amorim is in charge.

He was left out of the squad for United’s 2-1 win at local rivals Manchester City in December, leading to his January exit on loan to Villa. England forward Rashford joined Villa on loan in January after falling foul of Amorim and has flourished there with four goals and six assists, although he is currently out injured. He will miss Villa’s Premier League games against Fulham, Bournemouth and Tottenham.

Even if Rashford recovered from the injury in time for Villa’s final game of the season, he is ineligible to play under the terms of his loan deal, as it is against United. Medical teams from United and Villa are currently liaising over the extent of Rashford’s injury and anticipated recovery time frame.

Once that is clear, United will hold talks with Villa over Rashford, although the 26-year-old is not set to return to his parent club to undergo his rehab.

Villa have an option to buy Rashford for £40million when his loan deal expires, but he does not want to join them, favouring a move abroad – with Barca his No.1 choice

READ MORE: Man Utd and Aston Villa in talks over early Marcus Rashford recall after injury

Rashford’s exorbitant wages of £350,000-a-week are certain to prove a stumbling block for clubs interested in signing him, which is why he is willing to take a pay cut to secure a move.

Another option, although one that neither party ultimately wants, would be for Rashford to spend next season on loan at another club, potentially Barca, with United contributing to his wages.

But United are keen on selling Rashford this summer to raise funds to rebuild Amorim’s squad and also to get one of their highest earners off the wage bill.

Rashford’s representatives have indicated they will sit down with United in the coming weeks to discuss the forward’s future and hopefully reach agreement on his next move.

Of more immediate concern to Rashford is making a full recovery to ensure he is fit for England’s upcoming games in June, having been recalled to the international set-up by Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel.

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