Marcus Rashford receives positive update over Barcelona transfer hopes

Marcus Rashford's hopes of sealing a blockbuster summer transfer to Barcelona have been boosted by a report revealing Blaugrana boss Hansi Flick's admiration for the England international.

Rashford has impressed during a six-month loan with Aston Villa, who have an option to buy him permanently from Manchester United for a fee of £40m, but there has been significant speculation that he could reject a move to Villa Park in favour of a "dream" switch to Barcelona.

It emerged earlier this week that Rashford has now linked up with agent Pini Zahavi, who is known to have a close relationship with Barcelona president Joan Laporta and is even the representative for manager Flick.

Now, an update from Fernando Polo, who was behind the initial story of Rashford's union with Zahavi, has revealed that Flick is a big fan of the 27-year-old United outcast.

It is claimed that Flick had already approved the decision to make an offer to Rashford in January, when the versatile forward was reluctant to leave the Premier League, and remains supportive of the idea of signing him.

Zahavi is even said to have gone as far as to tell Barcelona officials that a deal for Rashford will be done if the Spanish side decide to pursue his signature.

United want to sell Rashford permanently this summer but could agree to a loan deal, Barcelona's preferred option, if it includes an obligation to make the move permanent next summer. £40m was the initial asking price but it was reported in March that United could end up demanding as much as £60m if Rashford's proposed move to Villa falls through.

The £40m price tag is thought to be too high for Barcelona, even if Rashford agrees to a significant salary cut to help force through a move.

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