'Not fair' - Barcelona have broken their silence on Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford

Last week, Marcus Rashford posted a thank you message to Aston Villa on his social media.

Aston Villa have the option to sign Rashford permanently for £40million, but the player wants to play for a Champions League club and a move to Barcelona is gathering momentum.

Rashford might have helped Unai Emery's side into the Champions League if he didn't pick up a hamstring injury in April. Rashford looked back to his best before sustaining that issue and might have been able to make a significant difference during the final weeks of the Premier League season.

Aston Villa choked at Old Trafford on the final day of the campaign instead and they will not play in Europe's premier competition next season. Rashford could still pop up in the Champions League, though.

The reports linking him with a move to Barcelona are not going away and their sporting director, Deco, went on record about Rashford when he spoke to BBC Sport this week.

Deco insisted Barcelona will "not sell our best players". He said Barcelona were in the market for "two, three or four signings", without needing to enter the market "like crazy" thanks to a solid base.

And when asked if Barcelona's plans included the option of signing Rashford, or Liverpool forward Luis Diaz, he added: "We have been focusing on renewing contracts, after that, we'll discuss players to come.

"Of course, these two players, like you mentioned, they are good but have contracts in their clubs, so we won't speak because it's not fair. But when you decide to go to the market, for sure, we find some names. In my opinion, we don't need to bring many players."

Deco continued: "When I speak with the agents of the players, everyone wants to come or stay. So this is important. The image of the club