Barcelona handed boost as Premier League giants ready to loan out £34 million-rated transfer target: Reports

Barcelona have allegedly been handed a major boost in their mission to rope in Marcus Rashford as Manchester United are ready to loan out the player.

Rashford, 27, is allegedly likely to leave the Old Trafford side this summer after suffering a fallout with head coach Ruben Amorim. The Englishman was loaned out to Aston Villa on a short-term deal earlier this January.

The Manchester United youth product registered seven goals and three assists in 24 appearances across all competitions for the Red Devils last season. He added four more goals and six more assists to his tally while playing for Aston Villa in 17 total matches.

Now, according to Spanish outlet SPORT, Manchester United are thought to be open to letting Rashford depart on loan in the summer. They were earlier keen to sell the forward for around £34 million but could loan out the player to free up their wage bill for the 2025-26 season.

Despite the possibility of a comparatively cheaper deal to add Rashford to their ranks, Barcelona's top target is Liverpool winger Luis Diaz. Should the Blaugrana fail to lure the Colombian away from the Merseyside club, they would table an offer for the Red Devils star.

However, Barcelona could need to act fast in their ongoing pursuit of the 62-cap England international this summer. Chelsea, Arsenal, Aston Villa, Inter Milan, and AC Milan, are all monitoring the two-time FA Cup winner.

Barcelona transfer target opens up on future

Earlier this month, Liverpool reportedly rejected an approach from Hansi Flick's side to hold initial talks with Luis Diaz ahead of a potential move.

Asked to opine on his future, the Barcelona target responded (h/t BBC):

"I'm very happy at Liverpool... I've always said so. They've welcomed me very well. The transfer market is opening, and we're trying to arrange what's best for us. I'm waiting to see what happens. If Liverpool gives us a good extension or I have to see out my two-year contract, I'll be happy. It all depends on them. I'm here to decide and see what's best for us and the future."

Diaz, 28, currently has a contract with Arne Slot's team until June 2027.

The former Porto winger, who joined the Reds in January 2022, relished a fine season in the 2024-25 campaign. He helped his side lift the Premier League title, registering 17 goals and eight assists in 50 total matches.