Barcelona confirm Marcus Rashford transfer stance after 'meeting' with Man United star

Barcelona sporting director Deco has remained coy about his club's interest in Manchester United winger Marcus Rashford after a reported meeting between the club and his representatives on Tuesday.

Rashford announced in December his desire to explore a new chapter away from United. Since then, he has not received any minutes on the pitch for Ruben Amorim's side and a departure appears to be the most likely option for the winger.

MEN Sport understands that Rashford has already rejected approaches from Saudi Arabia and Turkey. His desire would be to move to a club that could further his career hence his fondness to a switch to Barcelona.

Reports on Tuesday night surfaced suggesting that Rashford's entourage met with Barcelona representatives in Lisbon prior to the club's Champions League clash with Benfica. It is claimed that while Barca would be interested in exploring a move for Rashford, they would need to make space on their wage bill for his salary.

This would need to be done through player sales with last night's goalscorer Eric Garcia and Ansu Fati both being linked with exits. Ahead of the Champions League tie, Deco was quizzed by journalists about the meeting with Rashford's team.

As relayed by journalist Fabrizio Romano, the former Chelsea man said: "We’re fully focused on new contracts now… then if we can bring in other reinforcements, that would always be welcome.

"The coach (Hansi Flick) is happy with the squad we have, so any future decisions will be later." Despite playing for United in the Europa League this season, Rashford would be eligible to feature for Barcelona in the knockout stages of the Champions League should they, as is expected, reach that stage of the competition.

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