Barcelona identify Andreas Schjelderup and Jan Virgili as alternatives to Marcus Rashford | OneFootball

Barcelona plan to sign a left winger in next summer’s transfer window, with Marcus Rashford their priority target.

Rashford has been brilliant in his loan spell with the La Liga table-toppers, providing 23 goal involvements in 39 games.

The English forward is desperate to stay at Barcelona, but the Spanish giants are already exploring other alternative targets.

Mundo Deportivo claims Barcelona are considering academy graduate Jan Virgili and Benfica’s Andreas Schjelderup as alternatives.

Virgili joined Real Mallorca from Barcelona last summer in a €4 million deal, but the Catalan outfit retained 40 percent of any future sale.

Barcelona also included a right of first refusal, meaning they can match any accepted offer made to Mallorca and take priority in negotiations.

Virgili has featured in 25 games for Mallorca across all competitions. He has yet to score but has provided six assists.

Schjelderup is the another alternative. He is enjoying a great season with Benfica, chipping in with seven goals and four assists in 36 appearances.

The 21-year-old still has two years left on his contract and reportedly has a €100m release clause.

Barcelona are expected to be busy when the transfer window reopens.

Hansi Flick’s side are targeting a striker, with uncertainty surrounding Robert Lewandowski’s future. Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez is their first choice.

Barcelona also want to sign a left-footed centre-back. Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni is their preferred candidate, while Tottenham Hotspur’s Luka Vuskovic is the alternative.

The La Liga defending champions are also preparing to strengthen the two full-back positions and would consider signing a goalkeeper if Wojciech Szczesny leaves.