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Marcus Rashford has not played for Manchester United since being subbed off in a 2-1 Europa League win at Viktoria Plzen on 12 December
Chief football news reporter
Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford's dream move to Barcelona is moving closer.
The Spanish giants have been Rashford's preferred destination ever since he first suggested it was time for a new challenge in December after he had been axed by head coach Ruben Amorim.
BBC Sport has been told that talks have taken place involving intermediaries and there is a belief that a deal can be reached.
The move would be an initial loan with an option to buy.
Earlier this summer Spanish champions Barcelona had looked set to sign Spain winger Nico Williams.
However, the 22-year-old signed a new 10-year contract at Athletic Bilbao.
Rashford spent the second half of last season on loan at Aston Villa where he made 17 appearances across all competitions, scoring four goals and providing six assists.
He is one of five United players – and the highest paid – told to train separately from Amorim's squad amid a stand-off over their futures.
The 27-year-old does not believe he will play for United again while Amorim is at the club.
If the deal to Barcelona does go through, it would be a massive positive for United as they look to strengthen Amorim's squad.
With over £130m committed to signing Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, further deals have to be funded through departures.
Even if Rashford's exit was initially on loan, the saving off the wage bill would be significant given only Casemiro earns more than his £325,000-a-week salary.
