Marcus Rashford's Barcelona dream rekindled! Manchester United outcast receives boost in joining Hansi Flick's La Liga champions

Sport states that Rashford's agent had a meeting with Barcelona sporting director Deco at a hotel in the city and took a photo together on Wednesday. They add that his chances of joining this year's La Liga champions have increased as a result of this coming together, with manager Hansi Flick and the club's hierarchy impressed by his 'extreme motivation' to join them.

Rashford does not appear to have a future at United, and after impressing on loan at Aston Villa, the 27-year-old's options are looking a bit more promising. But United will still want to sell him for £40 million ($53.9m) this summer, and that may put off cash-strapped Barca, unless they make some big player sales.

The England international, whose lucrative contract at Old Trafford runs until 2028, scored four goals and bagged six assists in 17 appearances for Villa, before his season was cut short by injury.

As Rashford continues his injury rehab, speculation is likely to increase about a United exit - especially with the summer transfer window just days away from opening.