Marcus Rashford's dream move from Manchester United to Barcelona in the January transfer window is in doubt, according to a report.
Speculation over the 27-year-old's future at Old Trafford has been rife since he went public with his desire to pursue a 'new challenge' in the middle of last month.
Rashford has not played for the Red Devils since December 12 and has subsequently missed their last nine games in all competitions under new head coach Ruben Amorim.
The England international has been tipped to leave Man United before the winter transfer window closes on February 3 - most likely on loan - and has been linked with a number of European clubs in recent weeks.
While representatives of both Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan have held talks with Rashford's entourage, it is understood that the attacker's preferred destination is La Liga giants Barcelona.
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Rashford's Barca move in jeopardy?
Barcelona sporting director Deco has refused to rule out the possibility of reinforcements this month, although he has shut down reports claiming that Rashford is one of their 'priority' targets.
The Catalan club's financial troubles have been well-documented for some time, but it has been reported that they can afford to sign Rashford following the club's sale of VIP seating at the redeveloped Camp Nou, satisfying the requirements of La Liga's 1:1 rule.
Barca were planning to raise further funds for potential incomings by parting ways with some members of Hansi Flick's first-team squad, with Eric Garcia and Ansu Fati among those rumoured to be heading for the exit door.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano claims that Italian side Como - managed by former Barca midfielder Cesc Fabregas - were 'very close' to reaching an agreement to sign Garcia earlier this week, while Girona have also been credited with an interest in the defender.
However, ex-Manchester City man Garcia has now decided to stay at Barcelona after holding talks with Flick, and The Mirror claims that Rashford's route to Barcelona is now blocked as a result.
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Garcia, Fati prepared to stay at Barcelona: What next for Rashford?
Garcia scored for Barcelona in their enthralling 5-4 comeback victory over Benfica in the Champions League on Tuesday and expressed his desire to fight for his place after the match.
"All the players want to have minutes, it is a decision of the coach," Garcia told reporters. "Being at Barca is very complicated because everyone here is very good, but I have to take advantage of the minutes I have to try to change their opinion."
Meanwhile, reports in Spain have claimed that Fati - who has been linked with a move to the Premier League - would like to remain at Barca until the end of the season before assessing his options in the summer.
If Barca decide against pursing Rashford this month, that could open the door for Dortmund to step up their pursuit of the attacker, with Sky Deutschland reporter Florian Plettenberg claiming that the Bundesliga club are only 'not hopeful' of signing him if Barcelona remain in the race.
The possibility of Rashford remaining at Man United is still on the table, with his contract at Old Trafford not expiring until the summer of 2028.
Oliver Thomas
