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Barcelona send scouts to watch Marcus Rashford and Eric Bailly ahead of Manchester United raid

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MARCUS RASHFORD and Eric Bailly appear to be on Barcelona's radar after the club sent scouts to Stamford Bridge to watch Manchester United's clash with Chelsea.

It will be the news United fans do NOT want to hear, with the pair surely the calibre of stars that supporters will want Jose Mourinho to build his team around.

 Manchester United fans will not like the thought of Marcus Rashford leaving Old Trafford for another top European club
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Manchester United fans will not like the thought of Marcus Rashford leaving Old Trafford for another top European clubCredit: Rex Features

Not only that, but local lad Rashford has been the darling of the Stretford End, ever since he made his stunning debut against Midtjylland in February 2016.

But according to reports, Barcelona's technical secretary Robert Fernandez and chief scout Urbano Ortega were both impressed with the pair, after seeing them a close quarters, despite their 1-0 loss to Chelsea.

Rashford started the Premier League clash in West London and tried to break the deadlock, but the Blues' superior midfield outmanoeuvred the Red Devils as Alvaro Morata's looping header settled affairs.

A combination of suspension and injury has hampered Bailly's season so far, but Mourinho appears to regard the 23-year-old as the top centre-back at Old Trafford.

 Eric Bailly has been at United since the summer of 2016 when he joined from Villarreal
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Eric Bailly has been at United since the summer of 2016 when he joined from VillarrealCredit: Rex Features
 Marcos Alonso signed for Chelsea from Fiorentina in 2016
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Marcos Alonso signed for Chelsea from Fiorentina in 2016Credit: Rex Features

Bailly, who was signed from Villarreal in 2016, was one of Mourinho's best players last term and has emerged as one of the Premier League's top defenders.

And Chelsea are not immune to the gaze of Barca's watching scouts, with the club reportedly looking at Marcos Alonso, who played the entire 90 minutes against United.

Spaniard Alonso, who has also played at Bolton and Sunderland, was signed by Conte from Fiorentina in 2016 and has impressed as a wing back.

Meanwhile, both Chelsea and United have been looking at young Roma midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini, who has been impressing in Serie A this season.

The youngster reportedly has a £22.1million release clause in his contract and has recently broken into the Italy squad, with his value sure to soar if he has a good World Cup.

 Barcelona official Robert Fernandez, left, was at the game between Chelsea and Manchester United
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Barcelona official Robert Fernandez, left, was at the game between Chelsea and Manchester UnitedCredit: AP:Associated Press
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