Barcelona's fresh stance on permanent Marcus Rashford transfer as Man Utd face problem

Barcelona are hoping to make Marcus Rashford's loan switch a permanent one at a bargain price of £26m. That fee is lower than the £35m that Manchester United believe the 27-year-old is worth.

Rashfordhas been loaned to the Catalan giants for the season following a fallout with United management. The forward spent the latter half of the previous season on loan at Aston Villa before moving to the Nou Camp. He's had a cracking start with the Spanish side, contributing to their undefeated beginning to the new season.

Rashford has already made six appearances and netted his first goals with a spectacular double in last week's Champions League victory over Newcastle.

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There's no recall clause in the loan agreement between United and Barca, meaning his parent club can't bring Rashford back this season.

Barca have the option to make the move permanent next summer, but they're keen to negotiate a lower price with United, reports the Daily Star.

Rashford is settling well in Barcelona and, if things continue to go smoothly, he'll be keen to stay.

That's despite being benched for Sunday's match against Getafe after reportedly infuriating manager Hansi Flick by turning up late for a team meeting before training.

However, United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe won't be willing to let Rashford go cheaply. He knows that the better Rashford performs in Barcelona, the higher his value will rise.

There's also the tantalising prospect of the striker having a successful run with England in next summer's World Cup, assuming he makes it into Thomas Tuchel's squad. Since his move to Barca, Rashford has found himself back in Tuchel's long-term plans.

Rashford is tied down to United on a whopping £300,000-a-week contract until 2028.

It's believed he has no plans to ever return to his boyhood club, having made the tough choice to take his career in a different direction.

Even if Barca and United can't agree on a permanent fee for him next summer, Rashford would still be looking for a new club other than United.

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