Marcus Rashford has hit the ground running at Barcelona(Image: Europa Press via Getty Images)
Barcelona are exploring their options to keep Marcus Rashford at the club without activating the option to buy clause included in the loan deal with Manchester United, according to reports in Spain.
The 27-year-old joined the Catalan giants on a season-long loan in the summer after returning from his short spell at [Aston Villa.](https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/all-about/aston-villa-fc) Since moving to Spain, Rashford has scored three goals and assisted five across all competitions.
It's understood that Barcelona have an option to make his move to the Nou Camp permanent for £26.2million. Recently, sporting director Deco clarified that they have the option to sign the England international permanently, rather than an obligation.
Over the weekend, Rashford rounded off a positive period for Barca with his first La Liga goal against Sevilla. Hansi Flick's men fell to a 4-1 defeat, but the forward's strike means he has contributed to nine goals between the two international breaks.
Now, Diario Sport have reported that the La Liga champions have little intention of paying the purchase fee for Rashford next summer. Despite the encouraging signs from Rashford so far, his long-term future at Barca is yet to be decided.
The report states that if he continues to impress, Barcelona will try to keep him in Spain for the future. However, it's claimed that that isn't expected to happen directly through the £26.2m clause included in the loan move.
It's reported that Barca will try to lower that fee or even try another loan move for the 2026/27 season. It remains to be seen whether or not United would entertain the prospect of a negotiation or another temporary agreement just yet.
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