Marcus Rashford takes an important step towards the dream Barcelona transfer

Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford has reportedly sought the help of super agent Pini Zahavi to fulfill his "dream" transfer to Barcelona.

Rashford spent a productive six-month loan career at Aston Villa, scoring four goals and six assists in 17 games before suffering a hamstring injury and is not expected to return again this season. Villa has not yet decided whether to trigger the £40 million permanent purchase of Rashford, but the final decision will come from the England international, who is a long-term goal for Champions League finalist Paris Saint-Germain.

Transfer to Barcelona is considered a priority for Rashford, and Mondo La Coruña said he is now working to turn the dream into reality. Rashford is said to have been associated with Zahavi, one of the world's most eye-catching agents and current representatives of Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick and striker Robert Lewandowski.

Zahavi has close ties with Barcelona and President Joan Laporta, and Rashford believes that working with the Israelis will increase his chances of completing his summer transfer to Catalonia. Barcelona received a chance to sign Rashford in January and they were reportedly keen, but the financial situation of such a deal is too much for the La Liga leader.

They hope to have greater spending power this summer, but it remains to be seen whether they will consider spending their budget on Rashford. Barcelona are so satisfied with their choice on the wing that they have given up signing competitive club star Nico Williams.

Rashford is center in Villa and Barcelona is seeking to sign a new forward to provide cover for Lewandowski, who will turn 37 in August. Negotiations between Rashford and Barcelona are believed to have begun, which could be a preliminary loan deal, but United is expected to require any agreement to include the obligation to permanently make the transfer.