David Ornstein drops Marcus Rashford bombshell as agreement 'close' over ending Man Utd nightmare

Manchester United are in 'final talks' over a move that would see Marcus Rashford leave the club, it has been reported.

Rashford spent the second half of the 2024/25 season on loan at Aston Villa.

The 27-year-old impressed at Villa Park and earned himself an England recall, but Unai Emery's side decided not to trigger an option to buy him worth £40 million.

He has since been named as part of a 'bomb squad' of five United outcasts who cannot train with the first team.

Rashford hasn't played for United since December, and has not been involved in any of United's post-season or pre-season fixtures.

Now, according to The Athletic's David Ornstein, Barcelona have submitted a loan offer for the forward - and talks over his exit are already at their 'final stages'.

It is claimed that Barcelona's offer, submitted through intermediaries, contains an option to buy, and that United have 'agreed' to the idea.

Barca boss Hansi Flick is also said to have already personally spoken to Rashford.

The reigning La Liga champions have been linked with a move for the United forward throughout the summer, but the approach has still come as something of a surprise.

Reports in Spain claimed that Barca preferred to sign Liverpool winger Luis Diaz, though the Reds' recent rejection of a £58 million bid from Bayern Munich for the Colombian may have forced their hand.

Rashford's reported £300,000-per-week salary (as per Capology) is also believed to have been a stumbling block for interested clubs.

And speaking in June, Les Cules sporting director Deco indicated that the club would focus on internal solutions.

He told Mundo Deportivo: "We like Luis and we like Rashford, but we can't talk about players who are under contract.

"For me, it's much more important to improve what we have at home."

Rashford's exit will be United's first permanent outgoing of the summer, with moves still to be arranged for fellow outcasts Jadon Sancho, Antony, Alejandro Garnacho and Tyrell Malacia.