Liverpool transfer bombshell as Marcus Rashford decision may have huge impact

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Marcus Rashford's future at Barcelona looks likely to be impacted by the club's pursuit of Alessandro Bastoni, with reports suggesting Julian Alvarez is also on the radar

Marcus Rashford is currently on loan at Barcelona(Image: Getty Images)

Barcelona is expected to reach an agreement to sign Alessandro Bastoni from Inter Milan, edging out Liverpool in the race for the defender, in a move that could have significant ramifications for Marcus Rashford's future at the club.

The Catalan team and Bastoni's representatives are reportedly working toward a mutual outcome, with it only a "matter of time" before all parties reach an understanding.

It is understood that Barca's return to Camp Nou will allow the club to satisfy La Liga's Financial Fair Play criteria, though a high-earning player may still need to depart to enable Barcelona to pursue its priority targets of Bastoni and Julian Alvarez.

This is where Rashford's position at the club has become increasingly uncertain.

It has previously been reported that the forward's wage demands have proved problematic, despite the loan star being willing to reduce his salary by nearly half, and this has hindered progress on a potential deal.

Barca are keen to retain experienced heads to guide a youthful squad, which had previously worked in Rashford's favor.

Alessandro Bastoni has been linked with Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)

An effort to keep 37-year-old veteran striker Robert Lewandowski at the club on reduced terms appeared to cast further doubt over Rashford's prospects.

However, Lewandowski has now been tipped as the makeweight in deals for both Bastoni and Alvarez, according to reports emerging from Italy, with AC Milan and Juventus named as possible destinations for the Polish frontman.

The report suggests that despite Barcelona complying with financial regulations, they'll still require the departure of a high-earning player to balance the accounts, with Lewandowski potentially being that individual.

That would place the England international in a strong position when it comes to securing his dream move.

Barcelona is eager to maintain some experienced players in the squad, and given Rashford is now 28 and approaching 500 senior club appearances, he is ideally placed to fulfill that role.

Rashford found the back of the net for Barcelona against local rivals Espanyol on Saturday. The forward sealed the victory after a Ferran Torres brace and a Lamine Yamal goal had already put the match beyond doubt.

Rashford remains contracted to Old Trafford until 2028, and how he concludes the season could still determine whether Barcelona chooses to keep the forward, with Hansi Flick known to be an admirer.

The club is already reported to have held talks over players of a similar profile to Rashford, including Benfica's Andreas Schjelderup, Victor Munoz of Osasuna, and Mallorca's Jan Virgili.