New Marcus Rashford Man United swap deal update as Barcelona transfer option 'emerges'

Marcus Rashford could be handed a new route out of Manchester United if the club can agree a swap deal involving Barcelona forward Ansu Fati in January, it has been claimed.

Rashford's United future is uncertain after he was left out of the squad for the third game in a row during their 3-0 defeat against Bournemouth on Sunday. The 27-year-old was first snubbed by Ruben Amorim for the win at Manchester City and has since missed games against Tottenham and Bournemouth.

It comes as Rashford dropped a major hint on his future after claiming he is ready to leave United. In an interview with journalist Henry Winter last Tuesday, he said: "For me, personally, I think I'm ready for a new challenge and the next steps. When I leave it's going to be 'no hard feelings'.

"You're not going to have any negative comments from me about Manchester United. That's me as a person. If I know that a situation is already bad I'm not going to make it worse. I've seen how other players have left in the past and I don't want to be that person. When I leave I'll make a statement and it will be from me."

Rashford's comments have increased speculation that he will leave United in the January transfer window. A move to Paris Saint-Germain has been mooted, while there is also said to be Premier League interest in the England star.

And now, Barcelona have emerged as a possible destination. Reports in Spain, via Football365, suggest that Barca boss Hansi Flick has given the 'OK' for Fati to be used in a swap deal to sign Rashford from United.

Barcelona sporting director Deco is said to be 'working on a swap deal that could shake up the team' and Flick believes that 'the Englishman could bring more versatility and effectiveness to the Barca attack'.