Barca ‘very seriously’ monitoring Man Utd star as Haaland alternative

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford is being ‘very seriously’ monitored by Barcelona after missing out on Erling Haaland.

Dortmund forward Haaland is one of the most sought after talents in world football, with Barcelona tipped as a possible destination for the Norwegian.

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However, it was reported on Friday that Manchester City have an agreement in place with Haaland as he gets set to join them in the summer.

Spanish outlet Sport are now reporting that Barcelona are monitoring the situation of United forward Rashford who has been linked with an Old Trafford departure.

The England international has struggled for form this season, scoring just four Premier League goals so far.

United were without Cristiano Ronaldo and Edinson Cavani for the Manchester derby last weekend, leaving Rashford as the only available forward.

However, Ralf Rangnick decided to play midfield duo Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes as makeshift centre-forwards, adding to the rumours that Rashford could leave in the summer.

Sport add that any move for Rashford could cost Barca up to €80m, a hefty fee for a players who’s contract is up in the following summer.

The Spanish giant’s financial issues are well known with the vast majority of their recent signings coming through free transfers, so a move for Rashford in unlikely, unless they are able to offload some players of their own.

Meanwhile, former Arsenal man Ray Parlour has admitted he would love his old side to sign Rashford if he was to become available in the summer.

Speaking to talkSPORT, Parlour said: “Marcus Rashford is going through a bit of a bad spell but he’s a top player.

“I am sure lots of clubs will be enquiring about Marcus Rashford if he was available in the summer.

“Certainly Arsenal, I would love him to come to Arsenal. That’s the position Arsenal need to look at this summer, it’s vital for the club.

“If Rashford’s available – and I don’t think he would be because United would be mad to sell him – but if he is available then Arsenal would definitely be interested.”