Bad news for Marcus Rashford: Barcelona dream starting to fade as Hansi Flick makes key January decision

Rashford has been linked with a departure from Manchester United this January after being frozen out of the squad by new boss Ruben Amorim. The England international has been linked with both AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund. However, Barcelona are also reportedly in the race, with the 27-year-old said to be keen to make the move to the Catalan capital.

For Barcelona, however, the situation is complicated by a struggle to find space on their wage bill and departures are required before attempting to bring Rashford to the club. Eric Garcia seemed to be the likeliest candidate to leave this January, however, boss Flick has now decided to keep the defender in his squad for the rest of the season as per The Athletic. The change in the German's heart was reportedly brought around by the 24-year-old's goal against Benfica in the Champions League and his determination to fight for the spot.

Garcia staying at Barcelona will indirectly mean that Rashford's dream of moving to the five-time Champions League winners is now highly unlikely this January as the Catalan club barely have any sort of wiggle room in the wage bill.

The England international still has interest from AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund, and with Amorim having made it clear that Rashford has no place in the squad, the forward will hope he can find a solution before the window closes.