Marcus Rashford has reportedly decided that he is willing to take a pay cut to secure a move to Barcelona in the summer transfer window.
The Englishman's hamstring injury meant he missed the final stages of the season for Aston Villa, who he had joined in the winter window after falling out with Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim.
Rashford is set to return to United in the summer, but he has been strongly linked with a permanent move away, especially as the Red Devils need to generate transfer funds for Amorim.
However, the 27-year-old's current weekly salary of £350,000 could prove to be a stumbling block to admirers in Europe, including the likes of Barcelona.
Football Insider claim that Rashford is willing to take a pay cut to facilitate a move to Spain given Barca's own financial difficulties mean they may not be able to afford his wages.
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Does Barcelona suit Rashford?
Barcelona were fired to the La Liga title thanks to their immense forward line, with Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and Lamine Yamal excelling as a trio.
Veteran striker Lewandowski scored 42 goals for the Catalan club, while left-winger Raphinha netted 34 and right-winger Yamal scored 18.
Rashford managed to score four goals and provide five assists in 937 minutes for Villa, and it is difficult to see how he would displace Raphinha and play in his preferred role on the left flank.
The Englishman does have considerable experience as a striker, and perhaps Barcelona are targeting him as a successor to Lewandowski, who will be 37 in August.
It should also be noted that Barca boss Hansi Flick's playstyle is direct, and that could suit Rashford given he would be able to make runs in behind using his blistering pace.
With the World Cup to start in 2026, playing regular football is a must for Rashford if he is to make Thomas Tuchel's England squad, and a move to Spain only makes sense if he is assured of playing time.
Lewis Nolan
