Barcelona 'may target different Man Utd transfer' to devastate Marcus Rashford

Barcelona reportedly could launch a stunning pursuit of Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho in what would be a sickening kick to Marcus Rashford's gut. Rashford has made no secret of his desire to land at the Nou Camp this summer as he prepares to leave United permanently after two decades.

The 27-year-old's dream is thought to have contributed to Aston Villa's decision to opt against triggering their £40million buy option in his loan contract. However, Barcelona's mutual interest is said to be lesser than that of Rashford's, which could prove problematic for his transfer plans.

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Barcelona are among the England internationals' suitors, and his representatives are in continued dialogue over a switch.

The La Liga champions reportedly tried to sign Rashford in January, and they have reignited their pursuit after missing out on Athletic Club winger Nico Williams.

It's claimed that Barca would prefer a loan deal due to financial limitations, which are believed to have contributed to Williams' decision to stay in Bilbao.

However, Di Marzio adds that manager Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco could alternatively show an interest in Rashford's team-mate, Garnacho, if United are open to a loan agreement.

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Rashford called Garnacho a "brother" in his Instagram comments after the 21-year-old winger controversially shared an image wearing the former's Villa shirt on holiday.

Many United supporters viewed the move as a cheap jab on his way out after Amorim reportedly told him to find a new club in front of the rest of the squad in May.

But Barcelona making a stunning detour and opting to chase Garnacho rather than Rashford would be a bitter pill to swallow.

It would also blow the Manchester-born attacker's transfer hopes wide open and leave his future wildly uncertain.

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Rashford is surprisingly continuing his preparations for the new season at Carrington, despite being told he could stay away while he resolves his next move.

He is said to have trained away from his team-mates in Amorim's sessions, working individually as he prepares for the start of a new chapter.

But the prospect of a United stay would increase if Barcelona turned their attention towards Garnacho, whose stock is currently higher.