Barcelona “eye Marcus Rashford as long-term Luis Suarez replacement”

The La Liga champions are 'realistic' about their chances.

Barcelona are reportedly monitoring Marcus Rashford's contract situation at Manchester United. Rashford's current deal at Old Trafford expires in 2020 and Barca see him as the ideal long-term replacement for Luis Suarez, who recently turned 32. Whereas the Mirror mention a potential £100m deal, ESPN report that the LaLiga champions are realistic about their chances of prising him away from United. Understandably, the 20-times Premier League champions have no intention of allowing Rashford leave any time soon and it seems likely he will be offered a significant pay increase to ensure he stays put. According to ESPN's report, one high-ranking Barcelona executive likened their chances of landing him to trying to secure a date with Cindy Crawford - it's almost certainly not going to happen. "We don't want to approach a player that still has a contract with Manchester United," the executive said. "He's a great player but has [18 months] to run on his contract at Old Trafford. "Even though it seems talks over a renewal have stopped for now, I'm sure United will try to convince him however they can. He's one of the pillars of their future." News of Barcelona's interest in Rashford follows reports that the club are eyeing moves for three key signings in the summer: Ajax's Matthijs de Ligt, Benfica's Luka Jovic, who has impressed while on loan in Germany with Eintracht Frankfurt, and - most surprisingly - Liverpool's Alberto Moreno. Barca have already secured the signing of Frenkie De Jong from Ajax, seeing off competition from a number of European clubs for the midfielder's signature.