Barcelona make their move for Marcus Rashford as Man Utd star closes in on exit

Barcelona are reportedly ready to go 'all out' in a bid to sign Marcus Rashford from Manchester United.

Rashford is expected to depart Old Trafford this month after falling out of favour under Ruben Amorim and he has been in talks over an initial loan move to join AC Milan. However, Barcelona could now hijack the deal.

According to a report from Spanish outlet Sport, the club have 'entered the bidding' for Rashford after sporting director Deco decided a move would be viable. It is noted that Barcelona would need to 'generate some salary space' in order to complete the deal, but those funds could be generated by the departure of Eric Garcia, Ronald Araujo or Ansu Fati.

Rashford has not featured in any of United's last six games across all competitions and has admitted he is ready for a "new challenge". He said last month: "For me, personally, I think I'm ready for a new challenge and the next steps.

"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."

Despite not appearing in any of United's last six matches, Rashford was an unused substitute for their 2-0 defeat against Newcastle. And when asked why Rashford did not come off the bench, Amorim insisted he was "not making point" with his decision.

"I think about the team," he told reporters after the game. "You think a lot about Marcus I think about the team. When I'm there I’m not making a point. I just want to win the game.

"And you can feel it – I'm talking about the idea and the fight for relegation. Do I want to make a point during a game? No, I just want to win the game."

Speaking in Friday's press conference, Amorim revealed Rashford was available for selection to face Arsenal - although not going as far to say whether he actually will be included.

The United boss then spoke about possible transfer business this month, casting doubt on whether they will make any major moves this month.

He said: "The first thing I think is… I don't remember to say clearly that I want new players.

"What I said is that sometimes the profile for this system is different, and the players came here with a different idea of how to play. So I don't remember saying that so clearly, that I want new players. What I said is that we need to improve recruitment.

"When we are targeting players, we need to be sure that they will cope with the demands. Sometimes, you have to bet a little bit.

"And what I also said is that we have to improve our academy, to bring young kids that fills the club in the right way, and also with that rules, we are able to do some business and have some money to invest in the team."

Meanwhile, on Friday night, United youngster Ethan Ennis saw his loan move to Doncaster Rovers confirmed. The 20-year-old, who won the FA Youth Cup in 2022, will join the League Two club for the rest of the season, his first taste of football away from Old Trafford.