'Marcus Rashford working with super-agent to accelerate transfer to giants'

Marcus Rashford has already opened talks over a possible move to Barcelona as his return to Manchester United looms.

The Aston Villa loanee has rediscovered his form of old since his temporary switch from Old Trafford to Villa Park, with four goals and six assists in 17 appearances across all competitions for Unai Emery's side.

Rashford's time in claret and blue appears to be over, however, after he suffered a hamstring injury which could end his campaign, with a return to Man United expected despite Villa's £40million option to buy.

Villa are yet to make clear if they intend to activate that option, but former England keeper Paul Robinson told Football Insider that Rashford will never play for Man United again regardless of what Villa decide.

Rashford 'pushing for Barcelona move' as 'super-agent' enlisted

Rashford is understandably very happy with the progress he's made at Villa after being cast out of Old Trafford by Ruben Amorim, but doubts linger over the prospect of his long-term future in Birmingham.

Sky Sport.ch journalist Sacha Tavolieri reported via X (5 May) that, rather than pursue a permanent move to Villa Park, Rashford has enlisted agent Pini Zahavi to "facilitate" a transfer to Barcelona this summer.

Barcelona have long since been interested in Rashford and unsuccessfully competed with Villa for his signature in January, but the England forward has already expressed his desire to play for the Blaugrana.

Discussions are underway between Zahavi and Barca president Joan Laporta, but despite Man United's willingness to sell Rashford for £30m this summer, the Catalans aren't currenty able to spend such a fee.

Marcus Rashford under the transfer microscope this summer

Although Rashford is one of several players who could form a mass exodus of talent at Villa Park this summer, Barcelona will also have to sell some of their brightest stars in order to enact his £30m transfer.

Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha have been two of the world's best players this term, yet both could be sold if Barcelona are set on signing Rashford, with Raphinha subject to several Premier League links.

Rashford's career remains in the balance despite his turnaround in form of late, and with Villa, Barcelona and Man United all undecided over where he'll end up next term, the next months will decide the path taken by the 27-year-old.