Cash-strapped Barcelona in Rashford race with Monaco waiting in wings

BARCELONA face a race against time to complete a deal for Marcus Rashford, with Monaco waiting in the wings.

The Manchester United forward, 27, is likely to leave Old Trafford before the end of the January transfer window.

Boss Ruben Amorim has frozen out Rashford, not picking him in the Red Devils’ last nine matches.

The 60-cap England international has made the bench just once in that time, appearing as an unused sub for the 2-0 defeat to Newcastle earlier this month.

Rashford has attracted interest from the likes of AC Milan, Borussia Dortmund and Tottenham.

But according to Spanish outlet Sport, Barcelona are at the head of the queue.

They claim that Rashford is their “priority” target and that he has given a move to Catalonia the green light.

Before completing a deal, however, Barca must clear up space for Rashford’s £325,000 a week salary.

And should they not do so in time, they will be beaten to the forward’s signature.

SunSport last night exclusively revealed that Monaco are also keen on Rashford.

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The Ligue 1 side have deep pockets and would be willing to cover most, if not all, of Rashford’s wages.

Rashford’s brother and agent Dwaine Maynard would like the Man Utd star to land a move to Barcelona.

But for that transfer to happen, cash-strapped Barca would have to flog members of Hansi Flick’s existing squad before the deadline, given the club’s staggering £850million debts.

Defender Eric Garcia may depart, with former loan club Girona linked with a £5.9million swoop.

Ansu Fati, meanwhile, has not featured in LaLiga since November and has started just once all season.

Club chiefs could look to sell the winger, although Fati is said to be reluctant to leave.

Rashford is understood to have been putting in extra training sessions and has reiterated his desire to feature against Rangers on Thursday night, if selected.

‘IT IS HIS CHOICE’

Following Sunday’s 3-1 home defeat to Brighton, boss Amorim was asked if he felt “disappointed or let down” that Rashford was not there to “help the team”.

After the Portuguese initially said “no” he was further pressed, given that he has previously stated that Rashford was being left out for training reasons.

Amorim, 39, clapped and took a breath, before answering: “Guys. It is his choice [not to play].

“I don’t want to focus on this bad moment because in the games we lost, Rashford is not here.

“I don’t want to put this moment on Rashford.

“Rashford is out of this moment because he is not playing.

“No matter what, I am not going to put out a player I don’t believe is the best for the team.”

Rashford’s last appearance came against Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League on December 12.

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