Gary Lineker makes Marcus Rashford feelings clear as Man Utd star finally closes on exit
Gary Lineker appears to approve of Marcus Rashford following in his footsteps at Barcelona. After weeks of doubt, Rashford is edging closer to sealing his dream move to Barca and out of Manchester United in the summer transfer window.
Rashford made it clear that he is keen to join Barcelona ever since concluding a loan spell at Aston Villa. He rejected a mega-money move to Saudi Arabia and has been waiting patiently for Barca and United to come to terms over a move.
The striker has been put in the 'bomb squad' at United by Ruben Amorim, who has made it clear he doesn't have a future at the club. Forced to train alongside fellow unwanted stars Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony and Tyrell Malacia, he has placed his future in the hands of others.
United had wanted to sell him permanently for around £40million, but they have now settled on a loan deal with Barca. The Catalan giants will take him on loan for the 2025/26 season, paying the entirety of his £325,000-a-week wages, before having the chance to sign him permanently if it goes well.
That has excited Lineker, who has changed his Instagram photo to an image of the two players wearing the No.10 shirts for England while standing in front of No.10 Downing Street. Lineker is currently the only Englishman to have played for Barcelona since World War II, having led the line for the club between 1986 and 1989.
He scored 51 goals in 138 games for Barca, helping them win the Copa del Rey, and will have an eye on how Rashford gets on in Hansi Flick's side. Rashford is expected to play off the left of Barcelona's 4-3-3 formation, although he can also provide back-up for veteran centre-forward Robert Lewandowski.
Barca had tried to sign Nico Williams from Athletic Club, but the move fell through. They also showed an interest in Liverpool winger Luis Diaz, but were put off by the Reds' transfer stance.
'I don't want to speak about players which are not in my team, but of course Luis Diaz and Marcus Rashford are fantastic players,' Flick said earlier in the summer. 'I like them and we'll see what happens.'
Before returning to Carrington, Rashford had been working on his fitness by himself and issued a clear plea to Barca. While on holiday in Marbella, he was asked by Spanish YouTube channel XBuyer whether he wants to play with Barca wonderkid Lamine Yamal in the future.
"Yeah, sure. Everybody in the world wants to play with the best," the forward replied. "So hopefully, we'll see." He got four goals and six assists in 17 appearances for Villa before an injury cut short his stay in Birmingham.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
34 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Hannah Hampton pays tribute to grandad who died before Euro 2025 in touching post
England hero Hannah Hampton has marked Sunday's triumph in the Euro 2025 final by sharing a poignant social media post paying tribute to her grandfather, who died shortly before the tournament Hannah Hampton has penned a beautiful tribute to her grandfather following England's Euro 2025 triumph, revealing that he sadly passed away just two days before the start of the tournament. Hampton, 24, was the Lionesses hero in a dramatic penalty shootout against Spain in Sunday's final, saving two spot-kicks to inspire England to a second consecutive European title. And she marked the occasion by sharing a poignant post on her Instagram account paying tribute to her late grandfather, who was 'one of her biggest supporters'. "Dear Grandpa," she wrote. "Two days before the biggest tournament of my life, you left. It still doesn't feel real. I kept thinking when I'd call nannie I'd hear your voice again - one of your jokes, or one of those little comments you'd make that somehow said everything without saying much at all. "You were one of my biggest supporters. You believed in me before I even knew what this journey would look like. You were always there - watching, encouraging, teaching. You taught me so much, not just about football, but about life. About staying grounded, working hard, being resilient and doing things the right way. "I miss our chats. I miss you saying 'Only us athletes understand' — always with a little smirk like you were in on something special. And you were. You got it. You understood what this meant to me. You understood what it took. "It breaks my heart that you didn't get to see me walk out for our country at my first major tournament... something you dreamed of for me, something we talked about so many times. I wanted to see your face or hear your voice after the game calling back home. I wanted to share that with you. "But I know, deep down, you were still there. I felt you with me. In the tunnel. On the pitch. In the tough moments. I heard you in my head when I needed strength. "I hope I made you proud, Grandpa. I carried you through every minute. "And I always will. I did it. WE DID IT."
Daily Mirror
36 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Star Wrexham let go who wanted to stay makes statement that Ryan Reynolds will love
Veteran striker Steven Fletcher has praised Wrexham after being released from the club owned by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, calling it his most enjoyable football experience Veteran striker Steven Fletcher was forced to leave Wrexham despite wanting to prolong his career in Wales – but he has still spoken glowingly about his time at the club. The former Premier League goalscorer was let go at the end of last season after playing a key role in two of the Welsh side's three successive promotions. The 38-year-old scored eight goals in 40 League One appearances last term, many of them from the bench, as the Red Dragons secured automatic promotion. However, the former Scotland international was deemed surplus to requirements by manager Phil Parkinson as Wrexham began their preparations for life in the Championship. Fletcher, who played in the Premier League with Burnley, Wolves and Sunderland earlier in his career, said in a post on Instagram in May that he was departing "with a heavy heart" and "not by choice". But despite his disappointment, he has spoken warmly about his two-year spell at Wrexham and the positive environment at the club in words which will be music to the ears of Hollywood co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. Speaking on the Golf Life YouTube channel, Fletcher said: "There's something about it, the town, the club, the fans and the staff. There's just a massive togetherness. I've been in football for 20-odd years and it's the most I've enjoyed my football. "I've played in the Premier League, I've played at the highest levels, and no disrespect to the clubs I've been at, but in that moment I really enjoyed my football." Fletcher is now mulling over his next move and admitted he is "95 per cent sure" that his football career is over. He said his plans to retire come despite some of his old teammates encouraging him to keep going. He added: "I'm 95 per cent sure that I'm done. When you say it out loud, you get a weird feeling. There's a bit inside of me that wants to finish on a high and I don't want to go chasing something that I'm not going to find." Fletcher's efforts for Wrexham were clearly appreciated by the club's owners. Reacting to him being released on social media, Reynolds said he would miss his "leadership and wit". Addressing Fletcher directly, Reynolds said: "Words aren't agile enough to capture what you've brought to Wrexham, the sport, and the lives of myself and this whole town. You aren't a PART of greatness. You ARE greatness. "I don't really know what a co-chairmen is supposed to do or say in these moments and I don't much care. I'm gonna miss you. I'll miss your your leadership and wit and the way you remind everyone - including me - that this is also FUN. Like the first day we met, I'm here for you any time and any place. Always." McElhenney later opened up about how difficult he found saying goodbye to Fletcher while appearing on the podcast. It came after the It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia actor revealed enjoyed a round with golf with Fletcher in the US shortly before he was released. "Even just bringing up his [Steven Fletcher's] name is difficult because the brutal reality of football it just reminds me of how quickly you can go from spending all day with him here in Los Angeles promoting the show and playing golf," he said. "[Then] putting him on a plane, sending him home and within 24 hours, Phil released him from the club, and that was difficult." Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Sign up to our newsletter! Wrexham is the Game is great new way to get top-class coverage Wrexham AFC is the arguably the fastest-growing club in the world at the moment thanks to a certain Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. The Dragons have achieved two consecutive promotions and are cheered on by crowds from not only North Wales but also from all over the globe, thanks to the success of the Disney+ documentary 'Welcome to Wrexham'. But does it have a dedicated, quality source of information piped through to your inbox each week, free of ads but packed with informed opinion, analysis and even a little bit of fun each week? That's where Wrexham is the Game steps in... Available every Wednesday, it provides all the insights you need to be a top red. And for a limited time, a subscription to 'Wrexham is the Game' will cost fans just £15 for the first year.
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
England's hero Lionesses to ‘rake in £80m' after Euro 2025 triumph as two top stars tipped for I'm a Celeb and Strictly
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THEY battled their way to Euros glory in a dramatic penalty shootout - and now England's brilliant Lionesses are set to strike it rich off the pitch. Following their history-making victory against Spain, the likes of captain Leah Williamson and Chloe Kelly are now the nation's most in-demand stars, with the talented squad tipped to enjoy a deserved £80million windfall this year in money-spinning brand and TV deals. 12 Captain Leah Williamson has become a style icon Credit: Instagram/Leah Williamson 12 Chloe Kelly with her husband on holiday Credit: Instagram/chloe kelly 12 Alessia Russo celebrates winning Euro 2025 Credit: Getty Brand and culture expert Nick Ede thinks that success on the football field for England's women means they could be even more in demand than the men off it. Super sub Kelly, who coolly slotted home the crucial penalty in Sunday night's European championship final, has already said she'd love to appear on I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here. While winger Lauren James and Williamson are now in the same league as Lionel Messi, having starred in a Walkers crisps advert with the Argentinian superstar. Fashion brands, sportswear companies and glossy magazines are all desperate to be associated with the glamorous team who love to party. Nick tells The Sun: 'In many ways the Lionesses should be in more demand than the men, because they are winners. They have won the Euros twice. 'Their currency is going to be much much higher now. 'The advantage they have over the men is that they have an appeal across the genders. Men like them and women want to be them. 'They could make between £50million and £80million." But as with the men's footballers, not all of the first team will become TV stars like Gary Lineker or commercial powerhouses like David Beckham. Nick says: 'Collectively as Lionesses they can be making a lot of money, this is their time to shine. Inside Lionesses' boozy Euro 2025 celebrations as stars party with pizzas, beers and loved ones after win over Spain 'They could be the next Alex Scott, who is now a bona fide presenter on the One Show, or Jill Scott who was on I'm a Celebrity. But with every team you only get a few stand out stars.' Here we look at which Lionesses will be the big winners off the pitch. Chloe Kelly 12 Chloe Kelly has been tipped for Strictly Credit: Instagram/chloe kelly With her hop and skip run-up penalty technique and iconic goal celebrations, Chloe knows how to make an impression. The 27-year-old forward, who scored the winner in the 2023 final for England, always plays with a smile on her face. And she wants to bring that bubbly attitude to television as well by following former England midfielder Jill Scott onto ITV's I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here. Chloe said: "I don't think I would do well like Jill. I think Jill is so bubbly and the challenges just didn't phase her. But I think I'd enjoy it - probably more so.'' The Arsenal player is already worth an estimated £2.5million, having signed a £1.5million deal with Land Rover. Nick says: 'I am sure Strictly Come Dancing and all the major reality shows will be eyeing Chloe. Out of all of them she seems to be the most famous.' She has modelled for Calvin Klein and worn Prada and Versace for photoshoots. Chloe has overcome adversity this year, having been frozen out of the Manchester City first team following an injury. She said her 'mental well-being' had suffered due to a 'character assassination' and switched to Arsenal on loan. Leah Williamson 12 Leah Williamson models for Calvin Klein Credit: Calvin Klein/Zachariah Mahrouche The England captain is believed to be the highest earning Lioness, having raked in £4million so far. The defender is being compared to the men's 1966 World Cup-winning captain Bobby Moore. Fashion house Gucci took note of her glamorous appearance, making Leah a brand ambassador, while Calvin Klein asked the star to model their underwear. The 28-year-old Arsenal legend has also struck deals with Walkers crisps, Nike, Pepsi and Aston Martin. But she is a self-confessed 'introvert' who spent much of her free time at tournaments sleeping rather than socialising. That means it is unlikely we'll be seeing Leah on reality TV. Nick says: 'The big bucks are in longevity, getting a regular presenting show.' Lucy Bronze 12 Lucy at the FIFA Football Awards in 2024 Credit: Getty The veteran defender revealed that she played the whole of this summer's Euros with a leg fracture. That keep calm and carry on spirit is sure to make her a hit on challenge TV shows. Nick says: 'The injured leg story will push her to the forefront. Her heroics will propel her to get more jobs and more success. 'She is such a go-getter she'd be great for challenge shows like I'm a Celebrity and SAS: Who Dares Wins.' Lucy, 33, whose middle name is Tough, said: 'I've been in a lot of pain. If that's what it takes to play for England, that's what I'll do.' She earned an estimated £200,000 a year while playing at Spanish giants Barcelona and is worth around £3.5million. The Chelsea player led Sports Direct's Legacy Starts Here TV ads and has endorsed VISA, Spotify, and Rexona. Hannah Hampton 12 Hannah Hampton was England's penalty shoot-out hero Credit: Instagram/_hannahhampton Until this summer, the 24-year-old goalkeeper was not a household name. But Hannah's two saves in the penalty shootout against Spain in the Euros final has turned the Chelsea player into a hero of the nation. Many people told Hannah she wouldn't make it as a goalie because she had an eye condition that affects depth perception, but she proved them wrong. Hannah, who has over 300,000 Instagram followers, is yet to appear in any major adverts. That, though, is sure to change. She is likely to eclipse England's former number one Mary Earps, who won the BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2023. Nick says: 'Players like Hannah can be great role models and influence future generations.' Alessia Russo 12 Alessia Russo modelling for adidas x Gucci Credit: Inmstagram/Alessia Russo With Spain 1-0 ahead at half time in the final, England needed an equaliser and Alessia was the striker who scored the crucial goal. The tenacious 26-year-old star plays with a smile on her face and that has made her popular with advertisers. Her earnings in 2023, when she won the Euros with England, were believed to be £2million. Alessia has struck lucrative deals with Adidas, Gucci, PlayStation and Beats by Doctor Dre. The outgoing player appeared at the BAFTA TV Awards in May, is a regular at London Fashion Week and has appeared on the cover of magazines. She has a podcast with her England team mate Ella Toone called the Tooney & Russo show. Being an engaging talker is important. Nick says: 'There is a real trend for women being brand ambassadors. In tennis Emma Raducanu showed how much you can earn by being a winner. 'There are speaking opportunities that are lucrative, whether it is corporate or brand.' Lauren James 12 Lauren James and Leah Williamson in a Walkers Crisps ad Credit: LS Productions An injury curtailed Lauren's final, but the attacking player scored one of the goals of the tournament in the group stages. The 23-year-old Chelsea forward is eclipsing her brother Reece James, the defender who plays for England. Lauren appeared with Leah in the Walkers crisp advert which was often on TV during the commercial breaks. She has also made an advert for Pepsi, alongside David Beckham, worn Nike clothing and promoted Optimum Nutrition. With nearly 900,000 followers on Instagram she is clearly building up a recognition under the name J10, which is similar to Cristiano Ronaldo's CR7. It is only with off the field deals that Lauren will be able to overtake her brother financially. Lauren earns £350,000 a year at Chelsea, while Reece earns £250,000 a week for the same side. Nick says: 'They need to maximise on their success at the Euros because they are not as well paid as the men.' 12 Jill Scott was crowned Queen of the Jungle in 2022 Credit: Rex 12 Chloe Kelly advertising The Gym Kitchen Credit: Instagram/Chloe Kelly
