Williams blow, Newcastle stance, Aston Villa return

Williams blow, Newcastle stance, Aston Villa return - Marcus Rashford Man United transfer latest

It remains to be seen what will happen in relation to Man United forward Marcus Rashford's future this summer.

Uncertainty surrounds Marcus Rashford's future. (Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images. )

Reports of Barcelona reaching an agreement on personal terms with Athletic Club star Nico Williams could be a dagger in the heart of Manchester United's hopes of selling Marcus Rashford to the Spanish club.

It has been reported by Italian journalist and transfer guru Fabrizio Romano that Barcelona have agreed to sign Williams on a six-year contract until June 2031. However, they are yet to reach an agreement with Athletic over a fee.

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If successfully extracted from the San Mames Stadium, Williams would almost certainly become Barcelona's first-choice left-winger. The Spanish outfit want to strengthen that position as a priority this summer and Rashford has also been on their radar.

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United have no plans to reintegrate Rashford into head coach Ruben Amorim's squad this summer and expect him to move abroad. Barcelona sporting director Deco confirmed their interest in him last month.

"We like Luis [Diaz], and we like Rashford, but we can't talk about players who are under contract," Deco told RAC1. "For me, it's much more important to improve what we have at home."

Alongside Jadon Sancho and Antony, United have prioritised the sale of Rashford this summer and value him at £40million. It is understood the England international wants to join a team who can offer him Champions League football.

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He spent the second half of the 2024/25 campaign on loan at Aston Villa, helping them reach the quarter-finals of Europe's premier club competition, but they have missed out on qualifying for the competition for next season.

However, Villa have the option to sign him on a permanent basis for £40m, but they do not have first refusal. Their failure to qualify for the Champions League also hinders their chances of signing him permanently.

Fellow Premier League club Newcastle United have also been linked with Rashford recently. However, the Manchester Evening News' sister title, the Newcastle Chronicle, has confirmed the Magpies have no interest in signing him this summer, either permanently or on loan.

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Marcus Rashford is not expected to move to St James' Park. (Image: Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images. )

Rashford's wages could be a problem for any interested party this summer amid his refusal to take a wage cut on his on his £325,000-a-week salary. That could restrict the number of suitors he will attract this summer.

Barcelona have long appealed to Rashford and confirmation of their interest in him earlier this summer meant it felt as though they would lodge a concrete attempt to try and sign him. However, they now appear to be prioritising Spain international Williams in their hopes of strengthening out wide.

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With that said, United are unlikely to have it easy in their quest to offload the 27-year-old.

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