Excl: Two clubs on alert for Marcus Rashford as Man United frustrated by Barcelona transfer stance

Marcus Rashford’s future has been thrown into uncertainty as I can confirm the reports about Barcelona being unsure about signing the Manchester United forward permanently.

There is some frustration inside Old Trafford as not so long ago it looked very much like Barca would be prepared to take up their option to keep Rashford.

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The clause is widely understood to be just £26m, and I’m told other clubs are now looking very closely at Rashford as it seems he may be available after all.

Marcus Rashford transfer suitors on alert

Sources with a close understanding of the situation have informed me that Rashford is still admired by previous suitors Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan. Those are the only two confirmed names for now, but I’m told we’re likely to hear about concrete links with other top clubs soon.

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“Barcelona are backtracking on Rashford now,” one source said. “It’s still not clear if they’ve closed the door entirely or if they’ll try to negotiate a lower fee, or if Rashford himself might have to lower his wage demands.”

The source added that Barcelona’s finances are “an issue” for them, and that has opened the door for other clubs to look seriously at Rashford as an option this summer.

Marcus Rashford favours Barcelona stay

It’s not beyond the realms of possibility, however, that some kind of compromise could still be struck, particularly as Rashford himself is keen to remain at the Nou Camp.

There might be some degree of mind-games going on here, with Barca signalling that they’re ready to walk away from a deal for the England international unless United agree to their terms.

My understanding is that Barcelona might be more willing to pay Rashford’s fee in instalments, even if United don’t currently look ready to budge on demanding the full clause be paid up front.

There will be further talks soon, but Rashford will likely push to stay at Barcelona if possible. If it’s clear the deal is unaffordable for them, then we’ll see if these links with the likes of PSG and Milan progress to anything more concrete.

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