'Rashford may have taken giant stride towards new club' amid Aston Villa twist

Aston Villa’s pursuit of Marcus Rashford has been one of their main priorities so far this summer. 

Unai Emery has been keen to add the England international to his squad on a permanent basis following a promising loan spell at Villa Park last term. 

Villa have faced strong competition from Barcelona to sign the former Manchester United man, with the forward’s wage demands understood to be a key obstacle to any potential deal. 

Rashford’s preference has been to join Barcelona over Villa, but the Blaugrana’s interest in Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams has perhaps handed the B6 outfit renewed hope that they might be able to pull off a deal.

Barcelona’s Williams chase has hit a stumbling block

Barcelona’s desire to sign Williams may have diluted their interest in Rashford somewhat, but now a twist has emerged from Spain which could cast doubts over the Villans’ chances of landing the star once again. 

Williams is understood to be desperate to join Barcelona and has already agreed personal terms, and that hasn't sat well with Bilbao, according to Estadio Deportivo (20 June).

The Basque outfit have now made it clear that they don't intend to negotiate with Barcelona over the deal, and have informed the Catalan giants that they must pay Williams' release clause in full if they want to sign him.

Barcelona had been hoping to pay for Williams in instalments, but have now been forced to go away and try to raise the necessary funds.

If they struggle to manage that, given their recent financial issues, they may well turn their attention back towards Rashford.

Barcelona may target Rashford again if Williams deal falls through

Barcelona's interest in Williams had potentially opened the door for Rashford to move to Villa Park, but the Spanish giants could now be set for another u-turn in the transfer market.

Villa had been informed that Rashford could be available for £40million this summer, meaning he would represent a cheaper option to Barcelona than Williams now would.

Negotiations with Bilbao are proving difficult, and that could mean they reignite their push for Rashford.

If that does materialise, then the 27-year-old will surely have taken a big step towards his new club. If the opportunity to join Barcelona threatens to resurface again, then Rashford would evidently jump at the chance to make the switch to Spain, despite his successful stint with Villa last term.