Rashford reaches out to Barcelona after transfer collapse and exit request

Manchester United want to sell Marcus Rashford during the summer transfer window and the chances of him getting his dream move to Barcelona have increased thanks to Nico Williams

Marcus Rashford has made contact with Barcelona, after their £58million deal to sign Nico Williams collapsed in spectacular fashion. Williams, 22, was in talks to join Barca but their well-documented financial issues meant that they were unable to guarantee the Spanish winger that they could register him with La Liga.

After weeks of fraught negotiations, Williams decided to instead sign a new 10-YEAR contract with Athletic Bilbao. That's left Barcelona looking for alternatives to strengthen their attacking department.

Liverpool star Luis Diaz is their first-choice target, although the Reds are reluctant to sell the Colombian forward. Bayern Munich recently made an approach for Diaz, 28, which was firmly rebuffed by Liverpool who insist he's going nowhere.

As such there is a gap to be filled at Barca, who have reportedly identified Rashford as their Plan B - with Rashford dreaming of joining the La Liga giants. He wants to test himself in another country rather than staying in the Premier League and Barca are his No.1 choice.

However, with United demanding a fee of £40m, any deal with Barca for Rashford would likely be a loan - unless they can negotiate a drop in United's price tag.

Rashford has told the Spanish champions that he'd be willing to take a pay cut on his £325,000-a-week salary. His brother and agent, Dwaine Maynard, was spotted meeting Barcelona sporting director Deco in May.

United say that Rashford has informed the club that he wants to explore a move away, as have Red Devils team-mates Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia. Matheus Cunha has also taken Rashford's No.10 shirt.

Last month, the 27-year-old revealed that he wants to play alongside Barca wonderkid Lamine Yamal in a thinly-veiled come-get-me plea. "Yeah, sure. Everybody in the world wants to play with the best," Rashford told Spanish YouTube channel XBuyer. "So hopefully, we'll see."

Now the chances of him getting his dream move to Catalunya have increased. Athletic announced that Williams had signed a mammoth contract extension until 2035 on Friday morning.

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"When it comes to making decisions, for me, the most important thing is to listen to your heart. I am where I want to be, with my people, this is my home," the Spain international commented.

Bayern were also interested in signing Williams, whose release clause has reportedly risen to around £87m.

"The step forward Nico Williams has taken with this renewal fills the entire Athletic Club family with pride and paints a picture of a future as ambitious as it is exciting," the club added.

"This latest display of loyalty marks a milestone in the history of the club and confirms a path of trust in the sporting project. He will continue to wear the number 10 inherited from Iker Muniain, with the Champions League as his new stage. His step forward in the face of dizzying offers is a resounding success for Athletic Club."