Transfer Talk: Barca readying ambitious Rashford move

Barcelona are interested in signing England forward Marcus Rashford, with Manchester United willing to sell for the right price.

The Catalan side are desperate for a striker after struggling in front of goal during a difficult season so far.

Summer signing Sergio Aguero is unavailable due to a recent health scare, while fellow arrival Luuk de Jong has managed just one goal in 10 games this campaign.

Spanish outlet El Nacional claim Barca see Rashford as a man who can lead the line and are ready to make an ambitious move to sign him.

The 24-year-old has been plagued by injuries this season and the report indicates the Red Devils may be willing to sell.

It is also said that Rashford could be tempted by a move elsewhere amid fierce competition for places up top at Old Trafford.

Cristiano Ronaldo is likely to start most games, while Jadon Sancho and Mason Greenwood have impressed of late under new boss Ralf Rangnick.

But United are set to demand £60million for the academy graduate, which could prove to be a stumbling block as Barca continue to grapple with financial problems.

It is not the first time Rashford has been linked with Barca after being close to a move in 2018 before pulling out of the deal, according to Mundo Deportivo.

Real to hand Chelsea Rud awakening

Real Madrid are reportedly confident that Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger will agree to join them when his contract expires next summer.

The Germany international, 28, is a key player for Thomas Tuchel’s men but looks likely to leave on a free when his current deal is up.

The Blues are keen to keep Rudiger but time is running out to agree an extension before January 1 when the centre-back is free to discuss pre-contract agreements with foreign clubs.

And the Athletic are claiming that there is growing confidence in Madrid that they will reach an agreement.

The report indicates that Rudiger turned down a £140,000-a-week offer from the West Londoners over the summer, with the talent looking for closer to £200k.

He currently earns £90k per week, just a third of what Germany team-mates Kai Havertz and Timo Werner are on at the club.

A number of other sides, including Bayern Munich, are thought to be interested in Rudiger and are willing to match his demands to get the deal done.

In other news

One Madrid player could be heading in the opposite direction with Chelsea looking to bring midfielder Casemiro to Stamford Bridge, according to El Nacional.

Italian outlet Calciomercato claim Liverpool are monitoring Juventus forward Paulo Dybala.

But the Reds could be set to miss out on FC Salzburg striker Karim Adeyemi, with Goal reporting that Borussia Dortmund are favourites to sign the highly-rated 19-year-old.