Barcelona are expected to contact Marcus Rashford and initiate a summer transfer after missing out on Athletic Club winger Nico Williams, according to reports. The La Liga champions seemed destined to sign Williams before the surprise announcement that he had penned a new 10-year contract in Bilbao on Friday morning.

Barcelona are now eyeing alternative options, with Liverpool's Luis Diaz and Rashford near the top of sporting director Deco and manager Hansi Flick's shortlist. According to Cadena SER, Diaz is the club's new priority, but he will prove difficult to lure away from Anfield in the coming weeks.

Liverpool have already turned Barcelona away, and the Reds are said to be demanding £69million to part ways, which has proven problematic.

Therefore, Rashford has re-entered the frame amid on and off links with a switch to the Nou Camp for over a year.

The report adds that the United forward's camp have provided assurances that he is holding out for a Barcelona transfer.

It's claimed that the Blaugrana are expected to activate discussions over a deal, with United keen to offload their academy graduate.

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They are said to have been informed that Rashford cannot delay a decision on his future for much longer amid interest from elsewhere.

Barcelona are reportedly considering an initial loan approach, which would include an option to buy worth around £34.5m.

United have agreed to delay Rashford's return to Carrington for pre-season after he informed the club of his desire to leave.

The Red Devils have given Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia the same treatment as Ruben Amorim moves to push exits through.

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Amorim needs to generate funds through player sales to unlock further signings beyond Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.

Cunha has already arrived in a £62.5m deal, while United are locked in talks with Brentford ahead of a third bid for Mbeumo.

The M16 giants reportedly want a new striker, midfielder and wing-back but can only strengthen those areas if they boost their budget.

Rashford is among the club's most valuable assets, so another loan switch after his stint at Aston Villa might not appeal.

It's clear the former United No. 10 has represented his boyhood club for the last time, though, and his heart seems set on Barcelona.