Barcelona have reportedly outlined stipulations for making Marcus Rashford's loan from Manchester United a permanent transfer. The attacker is currently with the Catalan club on a temporary basis, with an option to make the move permanent when the campaign concludes.
Reports have indicated that Barcelona are preparing to activate the £26million buyout clause included in the agreement. But recent suggestions hint they may be reconsidering their position.
Rashford had been a consistent fixture in Barca's first XI during the middle portion of the season, though he has increasingly found himself amongst the substitutes of late. He remained unused during the La Liga fixtures against Real Oviedo and Levante.
Tuesday evening's Champions League encounter against Newcastle United at St James' Park saw him enter the action for the closing 20 minutes. This came despite the forward netting twice when the sides last met earlier in the season.
Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo reports that the 28-year-old must now justify his selection for the remaining fixtures of the campaign.
Whilst a permanent switch remains probable, he is 'expected to perform better' during the season's concluding stages. Barcelona are also said to admire Chelsea's Pedro Neto, who is capable of operating on either flank or as a false nine.
Should Barcelona pursue their interest in Neto come the summer, it would intensify squad competition for Rashford and potentially jeopardise the permanent nature of the transfer, resulting in his return to United.
Throughout this campaign, Rashford has found the net 10 times whilst contributing a further 13 assists across 38 outings in all competitions for Barcelona. Nevertheless, his most recent strike came back in January during the 3-1 triumph over Elche.
Rashford's prospects may well be influenced by Barcelona's presidential election, scheduled to occur on 15 March. Joan Laporta, the current incumbent, stands amongst the contenders, alongside Victor Font and Marc Circa.
Were Laporta to secure re-election, Deco would likely continue as sporting director, suggesting transfer strategies heading into the summer window would remain consistent. These plans could shift considerably, though, should a different president triumph.