Man Utd set Barcelona hard line over Marcus Rashford transfer talks | Football | Sport

Barcelona’s option to sign Marcus Rashford from Manchester United for £26million expired at midnight on Monday, meaning the La Liga giants must now negotiate a fresh fee should they wish to pursue the forward. United have made clear they will not entertain any approach from Barcelona involving another loan arrangement.

Barca wasted little time in securing Anthony Gordon from Newcastle in a £70m deal at the start of the transfer window. The left winger’s arrival has had a significant impact on how Rashford’s future is likely to unfold this summer.

Rashford is currently on duty with England at the World Cup, though he is expected to report back for United’s pre-season following a period of rest after the tournament concludes.

The World Cup final is scheduled for July 19. Even should England go all the way to the final, Rashford would in theory be available in time for United’s last pre-season friendly against AC Milan on August 15.

While United are prepared for the possibility of Rashford returning for pre-season training, it is understood the club’s preferred outcome would be to agree a permanent transfer fee before the summer window closes.

He has two years remaining on his £325,000 per week United contract, which he signed in the summer of 2023 following a 30-goal campaign.

Bayern Munich have also been weighing up a move for Rashford after missing out on Gordon, who opted for Barcelona instead. Harry Kane, Eric Dier, Michael Olise and Luis Diaz have all previously made the move from England to the Bundesliga giants.

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Rashford chipped in with 14 goals and 14 assists for Barcelona as they won the La Liga title. Michael Carrick, who has both played alongside and managed Rashford, hinted that the door remained open for a return when quizzed about the forward’s future two months ago.

Carrick said: “I just think there are decisions to be made in time, really, on certain things, and obviously Marcus is in that situation. But at this point in time, nothing’s been decided. And it will be, because it has to be at a certain point, but at this stage, there’s nothing to say.”

When asked whether it was a case of never closing doors with players, Carrick responded: “Yeah, I’m not going on the Marcus individual one, because I think, like I’ve already touched on, I think to comment either way at this stage is just not the right thing to do, because there’s uncertainties, for sure.

“But for me, as I said, individual players who I’m able to work with in this part of the squad then I enjoy doing that, and trying to get the best out of them.”

While Carrick stopped short of ruling out a Rashford return, his comments came at a time when Barcelona were pressuring United into accepting a fee below £26m. Since Ineos assumed control of football operations, trimming the wage bill has been a key objective, making Rashford’s departure a priority. His iconic number 10 shirt was handed to Matheus Cunha last year.