Marcus Rashford’s agent ‘holds meeting with Barcelona chief Deco in Spain’ – as Man United outcast eyes exit this summer

Marcus Rashford’s camp have reportedly met with Barcelona as the forward eyes a move away from Manchester United in the summer.

The 27-year-old, who joined Aston Villa on loan in January, is set to permanently end his association with his boyhood club and will be available for £40million.

Rashford’s agent and brother Dwaine Maynard met with Deco, Barcelona’s sporting director, at a hotel in the Catalan city on Wednesday, according to Spanish outlet Sport.

United pay Rashford £315,000-a-week and he is under contract at Old Trafford until 2028.

But the club are keen to move him on after he fell out with Ruben Amorim. 

‘I couldn’t get Marcus to see the way you’re supposed to play football and to train the way I see it,’ the Portuguese boss said in February. 

Barcelona sporting director Deco admitted he was interested in signing Rashford last week

Marcus Rashford’s brother and agent Dwaine Maynard (far right) met with Barcelona chiefs

Rashford scored four goals and registered five assists in 17 games during his loan spell with Aston Villa, ultimately earning a return to to the national team.

But remaining at Villa Park seems increasingly unlikely after Unai Emery’s side missed out on Champions League qualification following their 2-0 loss to United on the final day. 

Rashford wants to join a club competing in the Champions League and Mail Sport understands that Barcelona would be his preferred option.

The Catalans moved for the England forward in the January transfer window but a deal failed to materialise.

 He is now one of four attacking targets being considered by bosses at the Nou Camp. 

Liverpool winger Luis Diaz is believed to be their number one target, but is viewed as a very expensive option. 

Deco last week admitted the Spanish giants are interested in the Premier League pair.  

‘We like Luis [Diaz], we like [Marcus] Rashford, and we like other players,’ he said.

Man United are looking to move Marcus Rashford on after he fell out with Ruben Amorim 

Amorim admitted he ‘couldn’t get Marcus to see the way you’re supposed to play football’

Remaining at Villa seems increasingly unlikely after they missed out on the Champions League 

‘When we go to the market, there are names that we know and that could improve the team.’

Barcelona have also tied Hansi Flick down with a new contract until 2027 after a succesful season which saw them claim the LaLiga and Copa del Rey titles.  

Meanwhile, United have moved quickly to bolster their attack and look set to sign Matheus Cunha from Wolves.

Amorim is desperate to strengthen his offensive options after United scored just 44 league goals in 2024/25 – their lowest in the Premier League era.