Barcelona ‘cool interest’ in permanent Rashford deal

Barcelona ‘cool interest’ in permanent Rashford deal

Barcelona have cooled their interest in signing Marcus Rashford permanently when his loan spell ends this summer.

The Spanish side have an option to sign Rashford from Manchester United for a fee of €30m (£26.1m) in the summer but a permanent deal now appears doubtful.

Rashford has scored 12 goals in 43 games for Barcelona across all competitions, assisting 10 more, and has been a valued member of Hansi Flick’s squad. However, The Athletic are reporting that Barcelona are leaning towards not extending his time at Camp Nou.

A poor performance in the club’s Champions League quarter-final exit to Atletico Madrid has not improved Rashford’s case for a permanent move, with the England international failing to take his chance in Raphinha’s injury-enforced absence. There are also reservations from Barcelona over the fee for a player who turns 29 in October.

Discussions over a permanent move were held with Rashford’s camp in February. Barcelona’s stance has since changed, with Manchester United also unwilling to negotiate the original deal to allow Barca to pay the fee in instalments.

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