"Very advanced talks": Romano says £26m Man Utd star close to agreeing terms for transfer

Barcelona are in very advanced talks with Manchester United star Marcus Rashford over personal terms for a permanent transfer, according to reputed journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The England international signed for the Catalan giants on a season-long loan from the Red Devils last summer, and he has made a huge impression under manager Hansi Flick.

Rashford was initially considered as a potential rotational option, but the 28-year-old has been a key player for the Blaugrana with 23 goal contributions from 34 appearances.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano has now revealed that the La Liga giants are making ‘huge progress’ in their plans to keep Rashford on a permanent basis this summer.

There are ‘very advanced talks’ between Barcelona and Rashford’s entourage over personal terms, but there remains a hurdle as the Spanish outfit would prefer a discount on the £26 million buy clause.

United are quite clear that Barcelona must trigger the option or there will be no deal.

Romano said: “Barcelona have been making huge progress in recent weeks to keep Marcus Rashford at the club beyond this season. Rashford is on loan at Barcelona from Man Utd, but there is a buy option clause of 30 million euros.

“Barcelona are in very advanced talks with Rashford and his camp over personal terms. So over a permanent transfer in the summer. Rashford is happy at Barcelona, and the club want him to stay.

“He can play as a winger, as a striker, can be a reference for the present and the future of the club. Barcelona are working hard and making huge progress in terms of the contract with Marcus Rashford.

“Working on a deal with Man United is going to take some time before we understand the financial solution. Barcelona would like to reduce the 30 million euros request, while United insist on the 30 million euros buy option to be activated for Rashford or nothing.”

United must not provide a discount for Rashford’s sale

Rashford left the Red Devils on loan last summer after he fell out of favour under then-manager Ruben Amorim.

The Englishman has found his feet with the Blaugrana, contributing 10 goals and 13 assists thus far.

Interim manager Michael Carrick would be open to reinstating him in the United squad if he were to become the permanent head coach next term.

That is not within his powers at the moment. Barcelona clearly have a buy option at their disposal and can land Rashford permanently by triggering it.

Meanwhile, it appears the Catalan giants are seeking a discount or a long-term payment plan from the Red Devils rather than settling the price outright.

In our opinion, United must not entertain either solution. They should not do business with Barcelona unless the entire fee is paid in a single payment.

In that way, they have the opportunity to reintegrate Rashford back into the squad under Carrick or whoever takes charge as the permanent manager.

If Rashford does not wish to stay at United, the hierarchy could still negotiate a good transfer.

They could easily secure £26m or even more from another elite European club, considering his superb form with Barcelona during the ongoing temporary stint.

We believe Rashford is worth at least £45-50m based on his present form, and Barcelona are already getting a sizeable discount with the £26m buy clause.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

Article written by Sri Aswin .