Man Utd seal major transfer boost in striker hunt as 'medical booked'

Manchester United have taken a step towards signing a new starting striker this summer as Marcus Rashford's move to Barcelona grows more likely. Ruben Amorim reportedly wants an upgrade at the centre of his new-look front three once Bryan Mbeumo follows Matheus Cunha through the arrivals suite.

United splashed £62.5million to sign Cunha from Wolves and look set to part ways with a similar fee to strike an Mbeumo deal with Brentford. Beyond those two arrivals, the Red Devils will require player sales before strengthening further, and Amorim is still eyeing a striker and an energetic midfielder.

Marcus Rashford, Antony, Jadon Sancho and Alejandro Garnacho are all in the shop window as part of a sweeping attacking overhaul.

United will likely use the funds generated and the wages freed up from that quartet of exits to fuel their pursuit of another goalscorer.

And Rashford has taken a positive step towards a dream move to Barcelona, with one of Hansi Flick's attackers set to make way.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona winger Ansu Fati will undergo his medical at AS Monaco on Friday before leaving the Nou Camp.

The 22-year-old will join Monaco on a season-long loan, but the Ligue 1 club have an option to make the deal permanent next summer.

Barcelona's failure to shift Fati in the January transfer window was a crucial reason why their interest in Rashford didn't materialise into an approach.

But the La Liga champions will reportedly attempt to sign the 27-year-old on loan after they secure a deal for Athletic Club winger Nico Williams.

United are said to prefer a sale but could sanction another loan for Rashford if Barcelona cover most, if not all, of his salary.

The Old Trafford giants are said to have slapped a £40million valuation on Rashford's head, which Aston Villa opted against paying after his loan stint last season.

A loan with an option or obligation to buy would not offer the pure profit that would boost the transfer budget, but it could save millions from the wage bill.

The wheels are also in motion to offload Antony, Sancho and Garnacho on permanent deals.

Real Betis are pushing to sign Antony after his successful loan spell in Seville last term, while Fenerbahce are strong contenders in the race to sign Sancho.

Garnacho's likely next club is unclear, but the 20-year-old winger reportedly wants to stay in the Premier League and is eyeing a move to London.