Aston Villa are facing a blow in their attempts to keep hold of Marcus Rashford this summer from Premier League rivals Manchester United.
The United academy product was the subject of a high-profile January transfer saga, after being left out of the squad on several occasions whilst being criticised for training efforts by manager Ruben Amorim.
He was heavily linked to European giants AC Milan, Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona before ultimately departing to Villa on loan late in the window.
However, their hopes of securing the player on a permanent deal could be set to hit a stumbling block, according to reports with the England international‘s heart set on joining the Spanish giants rather than remaining at Villa Park.
Were Barcelona Trying to Sign Rashford in January?
Barcelona were reportedly actively trying to secure the signing of Rashford in the winter window but faced issues over their own financial battles with La Liga. This resulted in high-profile battles over the registration of Dani Olmo involving the courts.
The Catalans have since played down their interest in Rashford, with Deco, the club’s sporting director stating, “It’s true there was talk of Rashford – but we weren’t desperately looking for a player either.”
Now according to reports Rashford is hopeful that if he can rediscover his form at the Premier League side Barcelona will come back to the table.
Will Rashford move to La Liga?
Aston Villa do hold a £40 million buy option on their current deal with Manchester United, however the player holds the cards and can refuse to sign permanently for them if he feels as though there is a chance of moving to Barcelona.
Barcelona have major problems when it comes to their finances, but they always find a way of somehow securing their targets through economic levers and if they want Rashford in their squad, they will happily bend heaven and earth to ensure he is. The question remains though just how desperate they are.