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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Alex Smith

Barcelona 'prioritise Marcus Rashford over Roberto Firmino as possible Luis Suarez replacement'

Barcelona have reportedly identified four players, including Marcus Rashford, as potential replacements for Luis Suarez - but Roberto Firmino has been ruled out.

Uruguayan superstar Suarez is expected to leave the Nou Camp next summer, with the striker going into the final year of his current Barca contract next season.

The 32-year-old has proven a huge hit for Barca since joining from Liverpool for £65million in 2014 - having scored 183 times in 255 appearances and lifted four La Liga titles, four Copa del Reys and a Champions League.

He also created a formidable front line along side Lionel Messi and at different times: Neymar, Ousmane Dembele and currently Antoine Griezmann.

Luis Suarez is expected to leave Barcelona in the summer (SIPA USA/PA Images)
Marcus Rashford is high on Barcelona's wish list (REUTERS)

Suarez will leave a huge hole for Catalan chiefs to fill - but they are starting early with a quartet already being looked at to replace the former Ajax ace.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Manchester United hit man Rashford is high on Barca's shopping list, although they are also ready to target Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane and Lautaro Martinez.

France World Cup winner Mbappe is said to be their No.1 target but would also be the most costly addition of the named players.

The PSG starlet is currently valued at over €200m which would be a world record fee.

Roberto Firmino will not be moving to Barca (REUTERS)
Kylian Mbappe is Barca's top choice (Icon Sport via Getty Images)

Rashford is another option but the issue around him would be his wages - with United currently paying him £200,000-a-week after the England international signed a four year contract in the summer.

Kane might be interested in the transfer after a rocky start to the season at Tottenham , but Daniel Levy would drive up the fee which could put Barca off.

The easiest deal for the La Liga outfit would be for Martinez - who has bagged six goals in 10 Serie A matches for Inter Milan this season.

However, he wouldn't be the star signing that Barca fans would hope for.

One man whose name has been erased on the list is Firmino - due to his age and the Reds' Philippe Coutinho clause.

The Brazilian is only four years younger than Suarez, while the other names on the list could help create a dynasty in Spain.

There is also a £100m tax on Barca stealing another player from the Merseyside club - following their bitter chase for Coutinho.

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