Barcelona trying to force Man United target to leave amid Marcus Rashford transfer plan

Barcelona are trying to convince Ansu Fati to leave the club amid links with Manchester United.

Fati, 22, once considered as one of the brightest talents in the La Masia academy, has struggled with injuries and game time this season. In fact, he has made just EIGHT appearances across all competitions. The Spaniard has started one match and played 186 minutes of first-team football.

It's clear that Fati has dropped down the pecking order at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys and his long-term future could lie elsewhere. The 2002-born winger spent last season on loan at Brighton, scoring four goals in 27 matches, and there is a chance that Fati could make a return to the Premier League this winter.

According to Catalan outlet Sport, Barcelona chiefs are putting pressure on Fati's agent, Jorge Mendes, to convince his client to depart before the end of the window. Barca want Mendes to sound out interested clubs to see if he can spark a late January transfer for the out-of-favour Spain international.

Fati might need some convincing to leave Barca, however, as he is keen to turn his situation around in Catalonia. United are long-term admirers of Fati and could make a move before next Monday's 11pm deadline.

Barca, meanwhile, are looking to free up salary space in their squad and Fati has been identified as someone that could leave to create that room. Andreas Christensen is another that could leave Barca but he is keen to fight for his place, as the Catalan club eye a last-ditch move for United's Marcus Rashford.

The Telegraph reported on Wednesday that United are in 'tentative talks' with Barcelona over a loan deal for Rashford, but there remains doubt over whether the La Liga outfit can do the agreement in time amid their