Barcelona set condition for Marcus Rashford summer transfer | OneFootball

Barcelona's hopes of signing Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford could hinge on finding a buyer for Ansu Fati, it has emerged.

Rashford was thought to be a target for Barcelona in the January transfer window when it became clear that he would leave United, but the finances of a loan deal were too much for the Spanish side and he ended up joining Aston Villa. His temporary contract with Unai Emery's side includes a £40m option to make the move permanent.

While Villa have not yet made a decision about a permanent deal, Rashford has been tipped to reject the chance to stay at Villa Park in favour of trying to seal a switch to Barcelona. It was revealed earlier this month that Rashford has linked up with agent Pini Zahavi, who is incredibly close with Barca president Joan Laporta, to try get a deal done.

Fabrizio Romano states Barcelona are watching Rashford's situation closely, believing he could find himself on the market once again if Villa fail to qualify for the Champions League and subsequently decline their option to sign the forward.

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick, also represented by Zahavi, is known to be a fan of Rashford and that sentiment is shared by sporting director Deco. The duo appreciate the 27-year-old's desire to represent the club and the versatility he could offer their forward line.

Barcelona need to sell Fati first / David Ramos/GettyImages

Those attributes sparked interest in a January deal but Barcelona did not have the financial freedom to pursue a move as they failed to convince Fati to leave.

The winger, who has played fewer than 300 minutes across 11 appearances this season, was determined to fight for his future in January, much to the frustration of Barcelona, who want to rid themselves of his hefty wages, reportedly in the region of £200,000 per week.

Now, however, Fati is thought to have opened the door to a summer exit, well aware that he is towards the bottom of the pecking order under Flick. If Barcelona can find someone to take Fati, they will be able to try strike a deal for Rashford.

Rashford's current United wages, thought to be over £325,000 per week, are impossible for Barcelona to match but multiple reports suggest he is prepared to agree to a significant cut to help force through a move to Spain.

Negotiations with Rashford may not be a problem but the biggest obstacle for Barcelona could be striking an agreement with United, who want a permanent sale and have been tipped to demand as much as £60m if Villa decline their purchase option.