In a surprise transfer twist, Liverpool have made it known they are 'admirers' of Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford.
The 24-year-old academy product is currently considering his future following a lack of first-team game time, according to Fabrizio Romano, who claims the England international has "always been professional" but wants clarity about his current role at Old Trafford.
In addition to news surrounding his future at United, a source close to Rashford claims the phone 'hasn't stopped ringing' since the rumours emerged – with Spanish giants Barcelona already touching base with his camp to confirm their interest, report the MEN.
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If United do decide to let Rashford leave, then he will certainly have suitors. In fact, bitter rivals Liverpool have already made it known they are admirers of the player, according to MEN's report, although they claim it is 'highly unlikely' United would allow him to leave for Anfield.
This isn't the first time Rashford has been linked with a move away. In fact, the England international 'agreed' a move to Barca before making a u-turn.
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The Catalan giants got in touch with Rashford shortly after the start of the 2017/18 campaign, according to Mundo Deportivo, who claim Rashford was initially 'excited' by the prospect of taking a step forward in his career.
The report goes on to say his brothers, Dane and Dwaine, were involved in these conversations but on further reflection, the player doubted whether it was the right thing to do – questioning if he could adapt to the different culture and language.
Rashford, who only had two years left on his deal, decided to sign a new, £200,000-a-week contact at United the following summer, while Barcelona brought in Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid.
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But back in December, Spanish newspaper El Nacional claimed United interim Ralf Rangnick could be willing to sell Rashford, with Barcelona once again keen to strike a deal following Sergio Aguero's recent retirement.
The report suggested United are likely to want around £60 million for the forward.
So what does interim manager Ralf Rangnick think of Rashford's current situation at Old Trafford? Last week, he denied suggestions that the forward has not played enough this season.
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The German insists there is no issue between player and club, but stated the forward is indeed free to leave this summer if he desires.
“I don’t think that he’s not had enough game time,” Rangnick said. “He’s had 13-14 games since I’ve been here now, he played more games from the start than he didn’t play from the start.
“I don’t think this is an issue and he never said anything about that since we spoke yesterday. But the [transfer] window is closed now. Even suppose he and his agents or his family at one stage of the summer think about maybe going to another club, well then he can do that but in the summer."
He added: “I spoke with him yesterday and the day before so I don’t know anything about him being unhappy. He didn’t say anything to me, he said to me that he is still happy and that he wants to perform on a high level for the club. There was no mention of him not being happy here.”
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Thoughts on Rashford's future?
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Topics: Liverpool, Marcus Rashford, Premier League, Transfers, Barcelona, Manchester United