Marcus Rashford: Barcelona’s hopes of deal with Man United ramp up

However, a drop in performance, particularly in the heart-breaking exit to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final, and a tightening in finances have thrown doubt onto this plan.

Barcelona are understood to be trying to renegotiate the deal, either in the hope of reducing the asking price or, preferably, agreeing a second loan. By contrast, United have no intention of compromising on the original agreement, as a marker that the club will no longer be taken for a ride in the transfer market.

Rashford will remain

With the two European giants at loggerheads, an uncomfortable return for Rashford at the end of the season was gaining traction. United were prepared to stomach this in order to facilitate a fresh exit elsewhere, with both Newcastle and Tottenham Hotspur eyeing a swoop.

Similarly, noises emanating from Camp Nou were that alternative targets in LaLiga had been identified, while the club’s main priority was a striker, not a wide forward. However, Florian Plettenberg now claims Rashford is expected to remain in Catalonia regardless of the conflict and posturing between his parent and adopted clubs.

Tweet: “Understand Barcelona are pushing for a second loan for Marcus #Rashford. Talks with Manchester United are ongoing. Barcelona currently do not want to trigger the €30m option to buy – ideally a second loan, otherwise they want to negotiate the fee down. In any case, Rashford should stay. Approved by Hansi Flick.”

The Sky Sports reporter confirms Barcelona are “pushing for a second loan” and that negotiations are “ongoing” with the Red Devils. But if another spell cannot be agreed, the Spanish champions “want to negotiate the fee down.”

But in either scenario, Rashford “should stay” after Flick “approved” the Englishman remaining a part of his forward line next season, Plettenberg concludes.

Final Thoughts

Barcelona look increasingly primed to exploit Rashford’s wish to remain at Camp Nou in negotiations with United – with little recourse available to INEOS to counter this.

Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo reports the Carrington graduate has no plans to return to Old Trafford, and is willing to take a further hit on his salary to facilitate a permanent switch, despite having already agreed personal terms. He is described as “convinced” he will be wearing a Barca shirt next year and is not paying any attention to interest in his services from elsewhere in Europe.

This leaves United’s negotiating position perilously weak. Neither the club nor the player have any interest in a return, while his wage packet will increase if he does. The prospect of agreeing a deal with an alternative suitor was their only bargaining tool, and Rashford has now neutered it.

Featured image Alex Caparros via Getty Images

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