Marcus Rashford is ready to move on, and so are Manchester United. His departure now seems closer than ever.
Rashford to FC Barcelona reports are heating up, and now the La Liga champions are ready to make another move for the United forward. According to Sky reporter Florian Plettenberg, Barcelona "have reopened talks with Rashford."
What's unclear is whether United would sell Rashford to Barcelona on a permanent deal, or whether it would be a loan. The latter could become complicated, as United would ideally want to get Rashford's wages off the books. Would Rashford take a pay cut? Would Barcelona be willing to accept his full wages?
That's something they must figure out in the days ahead, but the good news is that a move makes sense for all three sides.
Man United may finally find a deal for Marcus Rashford with Barcelona's revived interest
It's clear that Rashford isn't in United's plans under Ruben Amorim. That may have already seemed obvious after they loaned him to Aston Villa last season, but the club hammered it home by handing his No. 10 shirt to new signing Matheus Cunha.
Rashford would get the opportunity to play regularly for the defending Spanish champions while helping them compete in the Champions League. And looking at the bigger picture, a move could help him earn a spot in England's World Cup squad a year from now.
United have several players they need to move on from this summer. The ideal scenario would be permanent transfers, but loans can work, too, if it helps take big contracts off the books.
Rashford made four goal contributions in 10 Premier League games (four starts) for Aston Villa.
While many teams have reportedly shown interest in signing him, all signs seem to point toward a move to Barcelona in the near future.