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Barcelona are preparing to move for unsettled Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford.
Interest in the Red Devils forward, 24, has spiked significantly since he was left on the bench for United’s 4-1 derby defeat to Manchester City earlier this month.
Now the Manchester Evening News report that Barca have placed themselves at the front of the queue should Rashford be made available this summer.
The LaLiga giants are keen to add fresh blood to their forward line with Ousmane Dembele widely expected to leave the Camp Nou when his contract expires in June.
Permanent deals are also still to be confirmed for loan duo Adama Traore and Luuk de Jong, while in-form Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang turns 33 this summer.
Xavi has made an encouraging start to his managerial tenure in Catalonia and has gone on record with his desire to sign young talent in the coming windows.
And having expressed an interest in Rashford in 2019 — just before he signed a new four-year deal at Old Trafford — Blaugrana chiefs are clearly fans of the England international.
Paris Saint-Germain are also monitoring Rashford’s situation in anticipation of Kylian Mbappe moving to Real Madrid.
But while the 24-year-old appreciates he may need to move for the good of his career, his priority remains turning things around at his boyhood club.
Rashford started last Saturday’s 3-2 win over Tottenham but Anthony Elanga reclaimed his berth in the XI for Tuesday’s disappointing Champions League exit to Atletico Madrid.
Having also missed out on Gareth Southgate’s England squad yesterday, the Carrington academy graduate knows he needs to be playing regular football ahead of the World Cup in Qatar.
In other news
Benfica have slapped a £67million price tag on 22-year-old striker Darwin Nunez amid interest from Arsenal, Manchester United and Newcastle.
The Mirror say that Nunez, who has netted 26 times in 33 games this term, is also on the radar of Barcelona and AC Milan.
Ex-Chelsea midfielder Eden Hazard could be set for a dramatic return to London with Arsenal.
Foot Mercato say that although Hazard, 31, is keen to fight for his place at the Bernabeu, a sale is being considered by the Spanish side with Newcastle also keen.
Championship leaders Fulham are eyeing moves for Liverpool pair Joe Gomez and Neco Williams, according to the Express.
Gomez, 24, is thought to be available for around £23m while Williams, 20, has excelled on loan at Craven Cottage this term.
