Valencia CF v FC Barcelona - LaLiga EA Sports
Marcus Rashford is still keen to move to Barcelona on a permanent basis (Picture: Getty)
Marcus Rahsford has been left in a state of limbo and is facing the prospect of being forced to return to Manchester United for pre-season training.
The 28-year-old was deemed surplus to requirements by his boyhood club and their then manager Ruben Amorim last summer.
Rashford subsequently made a dream move to Barcelona on loan and spent the season going a long way to restoring his reputation at Camp Nou.
The forward’s performances for Hansi Flick’s La Liga champions were rewarded with a place in Thomas Tuchel’s England World Cup squad which arrived in Florida yesterday.
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While Rashford’s immediate focus will centre on helping England progress at the upcoming tournament, his long-term future is shrouded in uncertainty.
England v Japan - International Friendly
Marcus Rashford will represent England at this summer’s World Cup (Picture: Getty)
Barcelona have until June 15 to sign Rashford on a permanent basis for £26million, but The Times reports that they have indicated they are only prepared to offer a maximum of £13m.
United are almost certain to reject the idea of accepting such a measly fee, even for a player who would be unlikely to figure as part of Michael Carrick’s new regime.
Barcelona are still more than open to signing Rashford but their financial power is nowhere what it once was and have already committed £70m to signing Anthony Gordon from Newcastle.
Anthony Gordon Presentation As New Player Of Fc Barcelona
Anthony Gordon’s move to Barcelona has complicated Marcus Rushford’s situation (Picture: Getty)
Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella, who would cost around £60m, is also on Barcelona’s radar but they would almost certainly need to sell a defender before they were in a position to sign the Spain international full-back.
Barcelona could wait until after the June 15 deadline to make a renewed effort to sign Rashford, but in that instance United would be in a position to demand more than the £26m stipulated in the buyout clause.
Reports earlier this month indicated that Rashford’s representatives remain confident their is still Premier League interest in a player who scored 14 goals and registered 10 assists last term.
New Premier League champions Arsenal are set to back Mikel Arteta once again in this summer’s transfer window, with at least one new forward set to arrive at the Emirates Stadium.
A number of pundits have urged Arteta to sign a new left-winger to replace Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, who both endured mixed seasons.
Chelsea are also gearing up for a big transfer window as they look to back incoming manager Xabi Alonso following a disappointing campaign.
MORE: Man Utd legend Paul Scholes sends message to Arsenal over Marcus Rashford transfer
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