Marcus Rashford is still eager to join Barcelona this summer after impressing on loan with Aston Villa during the second half of the 2024/25 campaign, a report in Spain has claimed.

The 27-year-old was touted with a temporary switch to Barcelona during the winter transfer window but a move never materialised given the financial predicament the Catalan giants find themselves in at present.

Rashford ended up joining Villa until the end of the current season as he looked to rebuild his reputation away from Manchester United, with the Red Devils expected to sanction a permanent sale of their academy graduate despite his impressive form in the Midlands.

Villa will undoubtedly be one of many clubs interested in acquiring Rashford – they can sign him for £40m this summer – and Paris Saint-Germain could potentially reignite their pursuit of the England international. However, Barcelona appears to be the player’s preferred destination.

Spanish publication Sport have revealed that Rashford wants to join La Blaugrana “no matter what” and that his representatives have made it clear that a move to Barcelona would be prioritised ahead of other clubs.

The Catalans have admiration for Rashford, especially manager Hansi Flick, but their alarming financial position and the sensational form of their forwards this season means a move appears unlikely this summer unless something changes. Barcelona will instead focus their attention on bolstering other areas of their squad rather than splashing cash on a luxury player.

Rashford has managed three goals and five assists under Unai Emery’s tutelage and has shown frequent glimpses of the flair and technical brilliance that made him such an extraordinary threat at Old Trafford when at his best.

However, with a salary thought to be in the region of £350,000 per week, Rashford may have to accept a significant pay cut when making his next move, with a permanent stay at Villa still an option for the versatile forward.

READ THE LATEST TRANSFER NEWS & GOSSIP FROM AROUND THE WORLD