Barcelona set to miss out on key target as player close to Aston Villa move – Romano | OneFootball

After having ardently pursued the signing of Marcus Rashford from Manchester United for a number of weeks, Barcelona are all set to miss out on the 27-year-old.

The Blaugrana wanted to rope in the Englishman who has fallen out of favour at Old Trafford on loan for the remainder of the season.

Rashford, for his part, was also keen on making the switch and had turned down other teams as he waited for Barcelona.

However, the lack of salary space made the deal practically impossible with no players being open to leaving the club.

Rashford headed to Aston Villa

With Barcelona’s situation not resolving, Rashford is now set to sign for Aston Villa in the Premier League, reports Fabrizio Romano.

As per the update from the transfer expert, the operation is very close to being completed with negotiations in advanced stages.

Not joining Barcelona. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)

Rashford will be joining the Villans on a loan deal, who will cover his full salary, while talks are ongoing about a potential buy clause.

The Manchester United outcast has held direct talks with Aston Villa manager Unai Emery and is aware of their desire to sign him, and appears ready to make the switch.

This pretty much rules out a move to Barcelona, who had been holding out hope to create room for Rashford’s arrival late in the winter transfer window.

The failure to convince Ansu Fati to leave on loan and manager Hansi Flick’s insistence on retaining Eric Garcia meant that the Blaugrana could not free up the necessary space to accommodate the forward.

As such, it appears unlikely that there will be any late movements for Barcelona before the transfer window slams shut.