Marcus Rashford wanted by Barcelona amid uncertainty over Manchester United future

Barcelona have expressed their interest in signing Marcus Rashford amid uncertainty over his role at Manchester United.

A source close to Rashford says the 'phone hasn't stopped ringing' since it emerged he was considering his future at United after he was left out of the Manchester derby defeat at City on March 6.

Despite the development, it is understood deep down Rashford does not want to leave United and the move could spur the club into opening discussions over a new long-term contract.

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Barcelona have wasted little time in touching base with Rashford's camp to confirm they would be interested in signing the 24-year-old. Liverpool are said to have also made it known they are admirers of Rashford.

The prospect of Rashford moving to Liverpool would petrify United as no player has moved between the clubs since Phil Chisnall joined Liverpool in 1964. It is highly unlikely United would ever allow Rashford to cross the divide if they ever did agree to sell the forward.

Wythenshawe-born Rashford would be loath to leave his boyhood club, where he emerged from the United academy. Rashford is out of contract at United next year but the club has the option of an additional year.

Barcelona are in need of a long-term starting attacker, with Osumane Dembele due to be released in the summer, Luuk de Jong and Adama Traore at the club on loan while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang turns 33 in June. Barca bought Ferran Torres from Manchester City in January.

Rashford's representatives were previously contacted by Barcelona prior to his four-year contract renewal in July 2019. The England international has also been linked with Paris Saint-Germain as they brace themselves for