Marcus Rashford has contacted Barcelona, after the Blaugrana's £58 million deal to sign Nico Williams collapsed disastrously.
The 22-year-old winger was very close to joining the Camp Nou team. However, the Spaniard seems to be afraid that Barca's financial problems will prevent him from being registered successfully.
After many weeks of intense negotiations, Williams decided to sign a new 10-year contract with Athletic Bilbao. That has forced Barcelona to look for alternative options to strengthen their attack.
Liverpool star Luis Diaz is their top priority, although The Kop do not want to sell the Colombian striker. Bayern Munich have recently approached Diaz but were also strongly rejected by Liverpool and affirmed that he would not go anywhere.
Thus, there is a gap that needs to be filled at Barca for Rashford as a B plan. The English striker himself also dreams of joining the reigning La Liga champions. Rashford wants to try his hand in another country instead of staying in the Premier League and Barca is the number 1 choice.
However, with Man United demanding a transfer fee of £40 million, the Blaugrana may only ask to borrow Rashford. The "Red Devils" need to reduce prices significantly if they want to sell off the English striker.
Rashford has told the Blaugrana that he is ready to reduce his £325,000-a-week salary. Rashford's brother Dwaine Maynard was spotted meeting Barcelona's sporting director Deco in May.
Man United said Rashford had informed the club that he wanted to seek new opportunities, alongside Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia. New signing Matheus Cunha was also expected to wear Rashford's number 10 shirt at Man United.
Last month, the 27-year-old revealed that he wanted to play alongside Barca idol Lamine Yamal. "It's okay. Everyone in the world wants to play with the best players. So, we hope we will see" - the English striker said.
Now the opportunity for Rashford to realize his dream of moving to Catalan has increased. Williams' surprise move to extend Bilbao's contract until 2035 seems to have hurt Barcelona.
"I listened to my heart when making this decision. Athletic is where I belong, with my family and relatives here. Go ahead, Athletic!" - the Spaniard said.
Bayern are also interested in signing Williams, whose release clause is believed to have increased to around £87 million.
"The progress that Nico Williams has made with this extension has filled the entire Athletic Bilbao team with pride, and painted a picture of an ambitious and exciting future.
This latest display of loyalty marks a milestone in the club's history and affirms confidence in the sports project. He will continue to wear the No. 10 shirt inherited from Iker Muniain, with the Champions League being his new playground" - Athletic Bilbao announced.
