Man Utd to reject Marcus Rashford proposal as stance on Barcelona deal emerges | Football | Sport

Manchester United will reject Barcelona‘s bid to prolong Marcus Rashford‘s loan arrangement by an additional season. They will instruct the Spanish club to either pay the agreed £26million fee or send the England international back to Old Trafford in June.

Rashford moved to Barca on a season-long loan deal last summer. Both parties agreed at that time the transfer would become permanent for £26m. The forward has subsequently recaptured his finest form and is eager to secure his long-term future at the Nou Camp.

However, newly re-elected Barca president Joan Laporta wishes to extend the forward’s loan into a second season to circumvent meeting the valuation until the summer of 2027.

“Marcus is performing very well with assists and goals, and [Joao] Cancelo, on the other hand, is doing very well,” Laporta told RAC1.

“He has become a key player due to the injuries of both full-backs. We will try, in Barca’s interest, to ensure that Marcus can continue.”

United officials have held no recent dialogue with their Spanish equivalents, though the English club are said to be unwilling to allow Rashford to stay at the Nou Camp on loan for another season.

They would be prepared to welcome Rashford back to Old Trafford and sell him to the highest bidder before the start of next season.

United officials acknowledge that Rashford’s revival in Spain has elevated his market value. They would be optimistic about securing closer to £50m for the 28-year-old’s services.

Rashford has scored 10 goals and provided eight assists for Barcelona this season. He has reclaimed his position in the England squad and is anticipated to feature at the World Cup this summer.

United are conscious that should he deliver strong performances in the tournament for the Three Lions, his valuation could potentially increase even more.

This circumstance has placed both United and Barca on a collision course, with the Red Devils refusing to negotiate a deal unless it meets their conditions.