Man Utd hold Marcus Rashford transfer meeting as Barcelona make fresh proposal | Football | Sport

Barcelona have reportedly engaged in discussions with Manchester United to explore the possibility of securing Marcus Rashford on a permanent deal this summer. The striker loan period will draw to a close in the summer and the Spanish giants are eager to make his move a permanent one – but there’s a snag.

As per talkSPORT, Barcelona are hesitant to trigger Rashford’s €30million (£26m) purchase clause and instead aim to negotiate a reduced fee. A second loan, possibly with a conditional obligation, has also been mooted as an alternative. Further negotiations are anticipated closer to the season’s end as both clubs strive to reach a resolution.

United are keen to capitalise on Rashford and believe the clause is fair, while Barcelona have the upper hand due to the winger’s wish to stay at Camp Nou.

While he may still get his way, the La Liga titans are hoping to negotiate a more financially favourable deal before committing to the current purchase option.

If an agreement is reached, Rashford would reportedly be offered a contract until the summer of 2029.

The England international, aged 28, is expected to assume a larger role in Catalonia next season if a deal can be finalised, particularly with Robert Lewandowski, who turns 38 in August, out of contract at the end of the season.

Rashford has already expressed his desire to stay at the club beyond his loan term, saying: “Of course what I want is to stay at Barca.

“It’s an end goal, but it’s not the reason why I’m training hard and giving it my best. The purpose is to win. Barca is a huge, fantastic club, built to win titles.”

Meanwhile, European football expert Andy Brassell has suggested that Rashford represents the ‘most sensible’ financial option currently on the market.

“He’s maybe the cheapest financial deal out there,” he observed. “They may even loan him for an extra year.

“He’s taken a fair hit on his wages and if United are keen on moving him on permanently and if something can be worked out…

“It feels like one of the best deals out there for Barcelona because they know he works there already. There’s not as much risk as there would be buying a player fresh.

“I think if they go out there and try and buy someone of Marcus Rashford’s quality on the open market, it’s going to be a heck of a lot more expensive.

“We’ve got to bear in mind as well that next season, they’ll probably, almost certainly, have Robert Lewandowski’s wages off the books.”

Rashford has made a significant impression since arriving at Barcelona, scoring seven goals and 11 assists across 27 appearances.

Nevertheless, he has found himself in and out of the starting line-up in recent weeks, with Raphinha getting the nod on the left flank.

On Sunday, Rashford lifted his first piece of silverware with his new teammates as the Catalan club clinched a 3-2 triumph over Real Madrid in the Supercopa final in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.