Marcus Rashford handed major transfer boost as Euro 2024 winner makes shock call on future

Nico Williams has signed a new long-term contract at Athletic Bilbao to aid Marcus Rashford’s hopes of a Barcelona move. Bilbao announced on Friday that Williams has renewed his contract at the club until 2035 following interest from Spanish rivals Barca. Williams has penned a huge new ten-year deal with BilbaoGetty This could spell good news for Rashford this summerGetty Their president Joan Laporta hinted they would be ‘prepared’ to pay his release clause worth a reported €58million [£50m]. However, Williams, who won Euro 2024 with Spain, has seen his clause fee rise by over 50 per cent as per his new contract. Barcelona had the 22-year-old as their top target but will now seek a new left winger, with Rashford a potential option. talkSPORT reported in June that the LaLiga champions are exploring a loan move for the Manchester United star. Head coach Hansi Flick believes the 27-year-old’s versatility makes him an attractive proposition this summer. Rashford has no future at United with Ruben Amorim but talkSPORT understands he is expected to return to training on Monday to play a full part in pre-season. Joining Barcelona would be his dream move, and his chances of this becoming a reality have been boosted by Williams’ new contract. The England international has worn the iconic No.10 shirt for his boyhood club since the 2018/19 campaign. However, the squad number has already been promised to their new £62.5m signing Matheus Cunha. Rashford made only six appearances for United under Amorim before heading to Aston Villa on loan for the second half of the season. Rashford rediscovered his best form on loan at VillaGetty But he has fallen out of favour with Amorim at UnitedGetty Four goals and six assists in 17 matches marked a strong spell away from Old Trafford. Villa had the option to make his move permanent for £40m, but this was not followed up. Rashford last played for United in December during their 2-1 Europa League win against FC Viktoria Plzen. Amorim omitted him from various matchday squads shortly after his arrival from Sporting Lisbon in November. The winger actually the scored the first goal of his tenure in their 1-1 draw at Ipswich Town in the Premier League. However, Rashford looks likely to leave United ahead of next season. Rashford has found it tough at United in recent monthsGetty He has netted 138 goals in 426 appearances and won two FA Cups, two Carabao Cups, the Europa League and the Community Shield. Watch all of the FIFA Club World Cup free on DAZN. Sign up now so you don’t miss any of the action. *Clicking on a DAZN link in this article may earn talkSPORT affiliate revenue

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Marcus Rashford handed major transfer boost as Euro 2024 winner makes shock call on future

Nico Williams has signed a new long-term contract at Athletic Bilbao to aid Marcus Rashford’s hopes of a Barcelona move.

Bilbao announced on Friday that Williams has renewed his contract at the club until 2035 following interest from Spanish rivals Barca.

Williams has penned a huge new ten-year deal with Bilbao
Getty
This could spell good news for Rashford this summer
Getty

Their president Joan Laporta hinted they would be ‘prepared’ to pay his release clause worth a reported €58million [£50m].

However, Williams, who won Euro 2024 with Spain, has seen his clause fee rise by over 50 per cent as per his new contract.

Barcelona had the 22-year-old as their top target but will now seek a new left winger, with Rashford a potential option.

talkSPORT reported in June that the LaLiga champions are exploring a loan move for the Manchester United star.

Head coach Hansi Flick believes the 27-year-old’s versatility makes him an attractive proposition this summer.

Rashford has no future at United with Ruben Amorim but talkSPORT understands he is expected to return to training on Monday to play a full part in pre-season.

Joining Barcelona would be his dream move, and his chances of this becoming a reality have been boosted by Williams’ new contract.

The England international has worn the iconic No.10 shirt for his boyhood club since the 2018/19 campaign.

However, the squad number has already been promised to their new £62.5m signing Matheus Cunha.

Rashford made only six appearances for United under Amorim before heading to Aston Villa on loan for the second half of the season.

Rashford rediscovered his best form on loan at Villa
Getty
But he has fallen out of favour with Amorim at United
Getty

Four goals and six assists in 17 matches marked a strong spell away from Old Trafford.

Villa had the option to make his move permanent for £40m, but this was not followed up.

Rashford last played for United in December during their 2-1 Europa League win against FC Viktoria Plzen.

Amorim omitted him from various matchday squads shortly after his arrival from Sporting Lisbon in November.

The winger actually the scored the first goal of his tenure in their 1-1 draw at Ipswich Town in the Premier League.

However, Rashford looks likely to leave United ahead of next season.

Rashford has found it tough at United in recent months
Getty

He has netted 138 goals in 426 appearances and won two FA Cups, two Carabao Cups, the Europa League and the Community Shield.

Watch all of the FIFA Club World Cup free on DAZN. Sign up now so you don’t miss any of the action.

*Clicking on a DAZN link in this article may earn talkSPORT affiliate revenue

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