Barcelona have been looking at alternative options to create salary space so that they can sign Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford before the end of the transfer window.

The initial plan was to offload Ansu Fati, but the former Brighton forward is reluctant to leave despite not being part of Hansi Flick's plans. Eric Garcia's departure was then considered but has been ruled out even though the defender is receiving significant interest from Real Sociedad, Como and Girona.

Now, according to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona could find a solution with the exit of ex-Chelsea man Andreas Christensen. The Denmark international has made just one appearance for Barca this season after struggling with injuries but is back fit and could leave before the end of the month.

READ MORE: 'I'm not surprised' - Inside the rise of Manchester United transfer target Patrick Dorgu

READ MORE: Christopher Nkunku has already revealed his best position amid Manchester United transfer links

Christensen, 28, could be the key to resolving Barca's financial fair play issues and allow them to strengthen the squad with the addition of Rashford. Christensen's chances of playing much first-team action at Barcelona is slim with Ronald Araujo and Pau Cubarsi forming a solid defensive partnership.

With Christensen's deal set to run out in summer 2026, Barca could cash in and make some profit on the defender after signing him on a free transfer from Chelsea two-and-a-half years ago.

Last month, it was reported that United are among those interested in signing Christensen this winter. Ruben Amorim's side, therefore, can help get a deal over the line for Rashford by securing the services of the Barca man, whose reputation is still strong in the Premier League after his time with Chelsea.

As for Rashford, the 27-year-old is believed to be willing to lower his salary demands in order to sign for Barcelona. Rashford has not played for United since the Europa League tie against Viktoria Plzen last month, and that has increased speculation that he is going to be on the move before the February 3 deadline.

It was claimed last week that the forward's representatives had held face-to-face talks with the Catalan side about the possibility of a move. President Joan Laporta is said to be a fan of Rashford, who has three-and-a-half years left on his £300,000 per-week contract at United. A switch to Barca is said to be Rashford's 'dream'.

It's clear Rashford is not part of Ruben Amorim's immediate plans despite the fact he doesn't know whether the Wythenshawe-born player is going to leave the club this month.

Speaking in his pre-Fulham press conference, Amorim said: "I really don't know. Guys, it's eight days [until the deadline]. We will see in the end of the window what happened. And then we will talk about that in the moment."