Marcus Rashford's preferred club revealed - but January move appears unlikely

The Manchester United forward is facing an uncertain future at Old Trafford after revealing last month he is 'ready for a new challenge'.

talkSPORT understands that United are open to offers regarding Rashford, with club chiefs feeling as though a parting of the ways is the best solution for all parties.

The 27-year-old had been left out of four consecutive matchday squads by Ruben Amorim before being recalled to the bench for the recent 2-0 defeat to Newcastle.

With the January transfer window now underway, talkSPORT's chief football correspondent Alex Crook provided an update on Rashford's situation on the Breakfast show on Thursday.

A switch to Catalonia is his dream destination, though they are unable to register new players due to FFP reasons, with the club having to recently remove Dani Olmo and Pau Victor from their registered list.

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Discussing Rashford, Crook said: "Rashford would want to join Barcelona over any team.

"But they can't register new players.

"My understanding is that his preferred destination would be Spain and therefore Barcelona, potentially, could be one of the clubs that he would be interested in signing for."

It had been reported that Rashford had linked up with the CAA Stellar agency as he looks to find a new club.

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That's the same agency that helped broker Gareth Bale's move from Tottenham to Real Madrid in 2013.

However, Rashford has himself shut down that claim.

He posted on Instagram: "Been a lot of false stories written over the past few weeks but this is getting ridiculous - never met with any agency and don't have any plans to..."

Though Crook believes the player's team has indeed spoken to agencies regarding his future.

"I think he has linked up several (agencies) including Stellar to negotiate a move away," he remarked.

"He has been represented by his brother, Dwaine Maynard, I think if there is any move, whoever does the deal, Maynard is certainly going to want to be a big part of that.

"Stellar is one of the biggest agencies in the country. So while Rashford himself may have not spoken to Stellar, I have had it on good authority that people acting on his behalf have had those conversations."

Crook then proceeded to detail what options Rashford could have should he move on from the Theatre of Dreams this month.

He said: "I wonder if he partly regrets that now. I've been told he isn't particularly keen on Saudi Arabia.

"I'm not sure there'd be many Premier League clubs queuing up to take Rashford.

"I do know Stellar have a close relationship with Tottenham so maybe that could be one to keep an eye on.

"Spain I think would appeal to him, but we all know about the financial crisis Barcelona is in. It's a really difficult situation, we're all concerned.

"Coming out and doing that interview with Henry Winter, he hasn't helped Man United in terms of the negotiating position."

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Next up for United is a clash away at rivals Liverpool, who sit top of the table - 23 points clear of Amorim's men.

It remains to be seen if Rashford will feature in the squad and where the New Year will take him.