'He was a £100m player' - Former Man Utd star backing Marcus Rashford to restore valuation and admits Red Devils outcast would be perfect fit at European giants

Manchester United legend Gary Pallister has backed Marcus Rashford to become a player worth £100m again but admitted the England forward may not get a move to Barcelona because of the La Liga giants' financial issues.

Rashford made the loan switch to Villa in January after confirming his desire to leave United and try something different. He has scored four goals and supplied five assists for Unai Emery's side since, though he hasn't played in almost a month due to a hamstring problem. The 27-year-old also has a reported interest in joining Barcelona, though there are concerns his considerable £350,000-a-week wages could block any potential summer move from materialising.

Pallister told William Hill: "Barcelona is a great football club, they are a top team for any player. They have had financial problems, so they may find it difficult to sign Rashford in the summer. But it will also depend on whether Aston Villa decide to buy him permanently.

"He was a £100m player a few years ago, so his valuation has dropped a lot. But there is a player in there, and if he can return to that form, he can go back to being worth that amount."

Rashford's current contract with United isn't due to expire until 2028 and the Red Devils would be keen to sell the England international if possible, with INEOS chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe undertaking a number of unpopular cost-cutting measures since arriving at Old Trafford.

Rashford is unlikely to be fit in time for Villa's Friday night clash with Tottenham as the West Midlands side aim to finish the season by qualifying for the Champions League.