Marcus Rashford to Barcelona transfer pathway clear as Man United receive boost

It is unclear whether Manchester United winger Marcus Rashford will be in attendance at Old Trafford on Sunday when his parent club take on his temporary team Aston Villa on the final day of the Premier League season.

What is obvious is that Rashford will be keeping a watchful eye on proceedings no matter where he happens to be on Sunday afternoon. Once the game ends at the Theatre of Dreams this weekend, the focus will turn to what happens next for Rashford.

A return to United seems out of the question considering that the relationship between the forward and manager Ruben Amorim. Recent comments from Barcelona sporting director Deco, however, have increased speculation he could head to the La Liga giants this summer.

The former Chelsea midfielder was quoted this week stating that Barca have an interest in both Rashford and Liverpool winger Luis Diaz. Speaking to RAC1, Deco said: "Talking about players who have contracts with other clubs is complicated out of respect.

"We like Luis [Diaz], we like [Marcus] Rashford, and we like other players. When we go to the market, there are names that we know and that could improve the team."

With Villa not already having an agreement to sign Rashford following the conclusion of his loan spell, it seems like they are at a disadvantage considering the pull of Barca. The only concern for the United academy graduate is whether the La Liga giants would prefer Diaz over him.

The Colombian has impressed this season for Liverpool while there are still question marks over Rashford's consistency. However, Barcelona's minds could have been made up for them by Arne Slot on Friday.

Speaking in his final pre-match press conference of the season, Slot was asked about Diaz's future and the