Marcus Rashford Man Utd future clarified as Barcelona agree deal with another Premier League star

Marcus Rashford's Manchester United future has taken a significant twist following reports that Barcelona are in talks to sign Newcastle star Anthony Gordon.

Gordon, who has been named in England's World Cup squad, was left out of Newcastle's squad for the final weeks of the Premier League season ahead of an expected summer transfer.

The Magpies failed to qualify for European football for next season, and manager Eddie Howe said his absence was 'with a partial view to the future'.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona have agreed personal terms with Gordon after their last-minute entry into a transfer battle which also involved Liverpool and Bayern Munich.

Anthony Gordon didn't play in any of Newcastle's final four Premier League matches (Image: Getty)

Romano claims that Barca want to get the deal done quickly and have already opened direct talks with Newcastle over getting the transfer over the line.

With Gordon a natural left-sided forward but also capable of playing on the right and as a centre forward, his versatility will no doubt have been a key reason behind why the La Liga champions have decided to pursue him.

Marcus Rashford situation clarified

The move could also cast doubt over the future of Rashford, whose loan deal at Barcelona has an option-to-buy clause worth around £26 million.

Rashford scored 14 goals and provided 10 assists for Barca in all competitions this season, but as things stand he is set to return to Manchester United when his loan expires at the end of June.

According to journalist Ben Jacobs, however, Barcelona will retain interest in Rashford even if Gordon is signed by the club.

He claims that manager Hansi Flick is 'open' to signing both players and it is not a question of the club completing a deal for one or the other.

There is one key difference between Rashford's situation at Old Trafford now and when he was loaned out by the club last summer, as manager Ruben Amorim - who ostracised him from the first team squad - has been sacked and replaced by Michael Carrick.

Carrick played alongside Rashford during his final seasons as a player at United, and didn't rule out bringing the England international back into the first team squad if that scenario arises.

"There are decisions to be made in time on certain things," he told Sky Sports in April. "Marcus is in that situation.

"At this point in time, nothing has been decided. It will be at a certain point, because it has to be, but at this stage nothing has been decided."