Barcelona is reportedly close to securing Manchester United's Marcus Rashford on a loan deal with an option to buy. The Catalan club has been monitoring Rashford for several months and intensified their pursuit after failing to land other targets.

Barcelona's interest in Rashford dates back to the January transfer window when he was initially offered to the club. Sporting director Deco and head coach Hansi Flick have both approved the move. Flick is said to have personally spoken with Rashford, viewing him as a valuable addition to the team's attacking options. The manager is looking to add more width and versatility to the squad, particularly after Nico Williams signed a new contract with Athletic Club.

The proposed deal is structured as a season-long loan with an option to buy, a setup that aligns with Barcelona's current financial situation. This arrangement allows them to acquire a high-profile player without a significant upfront investment. However, Rashford's high wages, reportedly over £325,000 per week, remain a hurdle, and he may need to accept a reduced salary to facilitate the move.

Manchester United are reportedly open to selling Rashford and are prepared to move him on if a suitable offer arrives. Initially, United wanted a permanent deal worth around €45-50 million. However, with Rashford seemingly preferring a move to Barcelona, they may compromise and accept the loan offer with an option to buy. It has been reported that Manchester United have agreed to the loan deal with Barcelona.

Rashford spent the second half of last season on loan at Aston Villa, where he made 17 appearances, scoring four goals and providing six assists. However, his campaign was cut short in April due to a hamstring injury, and Villa declined to make the transfer permanent for £40 million.

Barcelona believes that Rashford can rediscover his form under new management and views the loan as a low-risk opportunity to assess his impact before committing to a permanent transfer. Rashford is reportedly eager to join Barcelona and put an end to what has been a difficult period at Old Trafford. He was told to train away from the first-team squad as he looked to resolve his future.

All parties are reportedly working to finalize the agreement, with further discussions expected regarding salary terms and the purchase clause. The move would provide Barcelona with a versatile attacker who can play on the left wing or through the middle.