Barcelona trying to force Man United target to leave amid Marcus Rashford transfer plan

Barcelona are trying to convince Ansu Fati to leave the club amid links with Manchester United.

Fati, 22, once considered as one of the brightest talents in the La Masia academy, has struggled with injuries and game time this season. In fact, he has made just EIGHT appearances across all competitions. The Spaniard has started one match and played 186 minutes of first-team football.

It's clear that Fati has dropped down the pecking order at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys and his long-term future could lie elsewhere. The 2002-born winger spent last season on loan at Brighton, scoring four goals in 27 matches, and there is a chance that Fati could make a return to the Premier League this winter.

According to Catalan outlet Sport, Barcelona chiefs are putting pressure on Fati's agent, Jorge Mendes, to convince his client to depart before the end of the window. Barca want Mendes to sound out interested clubs to see if he can spark a late January transfer for the out-of-favour Spain international.

Fati might need some convincing to leave Barca, however, as he is keen to turn his situation around in Catalonia. United are long-term admirers of Fati and could make a move before next Monday's 11pm deadline.

Barca, meanwhile, are looking to free up salary space in their squad and Fati has been identified as someone that could leave to create that room. Andreas Christensen is another that could leave Barca but he is keen to fight for his place, as the Catalan club eye a last-ditch move for United's Marcus Rashford.

The Telegraph reported on Wednesday that United are in 'tentative talks' with Barcelona over a loan deal for Rashford, but there remains doubt over whether the La Liga outfit can do the agreement in time amid their financial concerns. Rashford's reported £325,000 per-week wage is said to be a concern.

Barca is Rashford's preferred destination as he tries to get himself a move in the coming days. The 27-year-old has missed United's last 11 matches after he was left out of the squad for the trip to Manchester City.

If Rashford doesn't end up leaving United, there is a good chance that he will get reintegrated into Ruben Amorim's plans. Asked about that in his pre-FCSB press conference, Amorim said: "You can look at our team and imagine the profile of the players. Now imagine a talent like Rashford? Our team should be so much better with Rashford. But he has to change. If he changes, we are more than welcome to put in a talent like Rashford. And we need it.

"We have to set some standards, that’s all. We are waiting for Marcus, if he wants it really, really bad. You try to make it personal but it’s not personal. I have nothing against Marcus. I just have to make the same rules for everybody. For me it’s so simple. It’s always the same answer.

"I promised you I would not give anything about Marcus Rashford, but I’m giving you a little bit. It’s the same thing. We need goals. We need one-against-one. We need a threat in the final third. What more do you need?"