Barcelona have received a major transfer boost in the race to sign Manchester United star Marcus Rashford this summer.Rashford is expected to move on from Manchester in the coming months

Villa have the option to land Rashford permanently at the end of his loan spell, but are yet to begin negotiations. Several other clubs in Europe have also been linked with the 27-year-old, who remains tied down to the Red Devils until 2028.

With Rashford’s Old Trafford future hanging in the balance, Manchester United have now set a £40 million valuation for the England international – a fee that mirrors Aston Villa’s option to buy. However, United will entertain bids from other clubs should they match the asking price, regardless of Villa’s loan agreement.