Hansi Flick has reportedly called upon Barcelona to sign Marcus Rashford as the out-of-favour Manchester United forward continues to look for a move away from Old Trafford.
The academy graduate is one of five players that the club have earmarked for the exit this summer after being told to delay their return to pre-season training.
Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, Tyrell Malacia, and Antony are all thought to no longer have a future at Old Trafford, as Ruben Amorim looks to move on from the struggles of last season ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.
The 27-year-old spent the latter half of last season on loan at Aston Villa, where the forward recaptured stronger form and scored two goals in his 10 Premier League appearances.
Rashford is then thought to have caught the eye of Barcelona, with the forward himself talking openly about his desire to play alongside teenage talent Lamine Yamal.
In the wake of the LaLiga giants missing out on their number-one forward target Nico Williams after the Spain starlet inked a new contract at Athletic Bilbao, interest in Rashford has ramped up.
Marcus Rashford is believed to be moving closer to a loan deal to Barcelona from Man United
Blaugrana head coach Hansi Flick is thought to be keen on making sure the deal goes ahead
Rashford has spoken of his desire to play alongside the club’s prodigious talent Lamine Yamal
As per Spanish journalist Matteo Moretto, head coach Flick is believed to have asked the club’s hierarchy to sanction a loan deal with the option to buy the player next summer.
Barcelona had previously also considered Liverpool star Luis Diaz as an alternative option, but the Reds are believed to have brushed aside an approach.
The deal is expected to progress over the coming weeks as Barcelona and Manchester United thrash out an agreement.
Mail Sport previously reported that the Catalan giants were keen to agree to a loan for Rashford that would in part see his parent club subsidise a portion of his £300,000-a-week wages.
The player’s eye-popping salary represents a stumbling block for a number of his suitors, but should Manchester United agree to the deal, it would at least move on a player amid a charged atmosphere.
Rashford arrived at Carrington for pre-season training eight minutes after Amorim and the remainder of his squad had departed on Thursday, after the player trained on his own on Monday and Tuesday.
United’s five outcasts still have access to the medical and rehabilitation facilities at Carrington if needed, in a bid to avoid being in breach of contract.
As well as Rashford, fellow Carrington graduate Alejandro Garnacho is also thought to be earmarked for a move away this summer
Rashford enjoyed a resurgence of form after a mid-season move to league rivals Aston Villa
The player’s No 10 jersey was also handed to new signing Matheus Cunha last week, just hours after reports were published stating Rashford’s intent to take part in the club’s pre-season tour and fight for his place in the side.
As well as Barcelona, Rashford is also the subject of interest from Bayern Munich, while Manchester United have been organising their own incomings during the summer window.
The Red Devils have recruited South American starlet Diego Leon, Cunha, and former Le Havre player Enzo Kana-Biyik – who has been loaned immediately to Lausanne-Sport.
