Benfica star Andreas Schjelderup has addressed speculation linking him with a switch to Barcelona amidst doubt surrounding Marcus Rashford’s long-term future at the Camp Nou. Rashford is currently on a season-long loan with the La Liga giants from Manchester United and has seemed poised to depart Old Trafford permanently this summer.

Rashford is experiencing a strong campaign with Barcelona this term, netting 10 goals in all competitions and contributing to the Spanish club’s position at the top of the La Liga table and advancement to the Champions League quarter-finals. Last summer saw Rashford voice his wish to exit United, which ultimately resulted in the England international securing a loan switch to Barcelona, featuring an option to make the deal into a permanent transfer for £26million (€30million).

While recent reports have indicated that Barcelona would activate the option and acquire Rashford permanently, some fresh uncertainty has emerged regarding the prospective deal. Spanish publication Marca has claimed that Barca sporting director Deco is evaluating possible alternatives to signing Rashford this summer, with multiple players under consideration.

Schjelderup is amongst those names, with the Benfica forward responding to the speculation during a recent interview with Norwegian broadcaster TV2. He seemed thrilled to be associated with Barcelona. “The truth is I didn’t know anything about this, but if it were true, it would be fantastic,” Schjelderup admitted.

Schjelderup, 21, has netted seven goals in all competitions for Benfica this campaign and predominantly operates on the left flank, the same position Rashford has occupied for Barcelona this term. Adding fuel to the speculation, Barca manager Hansi Flick recently expressed uncertainty regarding the club’s intentions to secure Rashford on a permanent transfer from United.

“We need everyone until the end, and we don’t know what will happen after that,” Flick said last week. “There’s time. There’s a World Cup.

“I believe in my players. Cancelo, Rashford… they give us quality. And the rest, too. We’ll talk at the end and see what happens. Now is not the time to say ‘I want this one, I don’t want that one.’ Anything can happen.”

Barcelona president Joan Laporta, who was recently re-elected at the club’s election, has previously acknowledged that the club would be keen for Rashford to stay at the Camp Nou beyond this season. “Marcus is performing very well with assists and goals, and Cancelo, on the other hand, is doing very well,” Laporta told RAC1.

“He has become a key player due to the injuries of both full-backs. We will try, in Barca’s interest, to ensure that Marcus can continue.”