Manchester United's prospects of a financial boost from sellingMarcus Rashford have been strengthened with one alternative to the English attacker failing to impress Barcelona. Rashford is keen on a permanent switch to the Catalan side, but they are drawing up backup plans should they decide against activating the £26million clause in his loan agreement.

Rashford's long-term future is expected to be settled shortly, with a permanent exit from Manchester United appearing probable. The 28-year-old has spent this campaign on loan at Barcelona.

Yet, despite recent claims suggesting Barcelona will only reach a final verdict at the season's conclusion, sporting director Deco is already operating behind the scenes to prepare for next term. According to Spanish publication Sport, bolstering the attacking department is a major priority, and he has other targets they could pursue instead of Rashford.

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Alongside Rashford, the club are also considering younger forward options, including Benfica's Andreas Schjelderup and Osasuna's Victor Munoz, while Jan Virgili is regarded as a player who could be brought back from Mallorca.

Virgili, who previously came through Barcelona's youth system and their 'B' side, was sold by the club for €4million last year, with Barca keeping 40 per cent of a future sale and a buy-back clause.

He could now be brought back for a reported €12m (£10m) - a considerably smaller sum than what the Spanish giants would need to pay for Rashford.

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Nevertheless, the same report suggests that Barca regard Virgili as a 'rough diamond', who appears to be significantly behind Rashford in the pecking order, with club bosses 'not convinced by him' at this point in his development.

It's also claimed the youngster's defensive work has come under scrutiny, and while Rashford is said not to 'stand out' in the same department, his aerial ability is considered valuable for Hansi Flick.

The England international is also a player who will ultimately need to succeed Raphinha, and possessing those attributes is deemed crucial.

The reality that Barcelona chiefs remain unconvinced about Virgili is positive news for Rashford and United, with the English attacker having one fewer player to fret about challenging for his position next term.

United are keen to capitalise while Rashford has already indicated that he'd relish making his switch permanent. Barca are yet to fully commit to paying the £26m and have explored methods of reducing the price, however, the Reds are standing firm and refusing to budge.

What lies ahead for Rashford remains unclear at this juncture. There have been suggestions that he could still be offered another opportunity at United, particularly if Michael Carrick is appointed permanently.

However, a return to Old Trafford looks highly unlikely at this point. Rashford himself has already made his wishes abundantly clear, stating he is keen to make his move to Catalonia permanent.

"Of course, what I want is to stay at Barca," he previously told Sport. "It's an end goal, but it's not the reason why I'm training hard and giving it my best. The purpose is to win. Barca is a huge, fantastic club, built to win titles."

Rashford has scored 10 goals and provided 13 assists in 39 appearances across all competitions for the Spanish champions.

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