Man Utd and Barcelona ‘in talks over Marcus Rashford transfer’ as La Liga giants eye £88m offer

MARCUS RASHFORD has been discussed in talks between Manchester United and Barcelona, according to the Catalan press.

The England ace, 21, would cost the Catalan giants upwards of £88million and they are impressed with his work rate.

According to Sport the Old Trafford starlet — who burst onto the scene as a 17-year-old — is growing closer to a switch after declining a contract extension at Manchester United.

They claim he would be "the ideal complement for Messi and Suarez" and president Josep Bartomeu has a good relationship with United's executive vice chairman Ed Woodward.

The pair discussed the transfer of Paul Pogba last year, but United refused to sell the World Cup-winning Frenchman.

Lines of contact would also have been eased when United lost 4-0 on aggregate to Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-finals.

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While Pogba was anonymous over the two legs, Rashford made a positive contribution.

He went off injured at half time during England's 3-1 extra-time defeat to Holland last night, after winning and scoring the Three Lions' penalty.

Barca are looking to invest in the squad after their humiliating Champions League semi-final collapse against Liverpool.

Philippe Coutinho in particular has not impressed at the Nou Camp since making his £145m switch from Anfield.

Barcelona are also known to want to bring Neymar back to Catalonia this summer.

But the world record Brazil star has ruptured ankle ligaments and will miss the Copa America and could be a doubt for the start of the season.