Marcus Rashford is back to being a Manchester United player after Barcelona opted not to take up the clause which would have allowed them to sign him permanently
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JUNE 17: Marcus Rashford #11 of England celebrates scoring his team's fourth goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L match between England and Croatia at Dallas Stadium on June 17, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Marcus Rashford is of interest to Tottenham(Image: Michael Steele, Getty Images)
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Marcus Rashford has been added to Tottenham Hotspur's list of transfer targets. Rashford put in a strong performance for England in their World Cup triumph over Croatia, but his club future remains uncertain.
He had hoped to stay at Barcelona, where he spent last season on loan, but they opted to sign Anthony Gordon rather than make Rashford's switch permanent. The striker is set to return Manchester United after his England exploits, though he is not anticipated to stay at Old Trafford.
However, Tottenham, who have already brought in Andrew Robertson, Marco Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke, are understood to be unwilling to meet the £40million release clause in his United contract, which was the sum Aston Villa would have needed to pay had they signed him permanently during his 2024-25 loan spell.
According to the i Paper, Tottenham are considering submitting a reduced bid for the United forward. However, the England international may not be as keen on relocating to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, as it's also suggested he would favour a move overseas.
Bayern Munich have also been linked with an interest in the United academy product. Villa are also understood to be in contention following his reasonably successful loan period between January and June 2025.
Barcelona have expressed a willingness to take him on loan again, but United are believed to be uninterested by the idea of sending him away temporarily again.
Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi is thought to be a massive fan of Rashford's ability. His direct running and attacking intent would also suit De Zerbi's high-intensity approach perfectly.
Tottenham are reportedly exploring a move for Manchester United and England forward Marcus Rashford
Tottenham are reportedly exploring a move for Manchester United and England forward Marcus Rashford(Image: Tullio Puglia - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Tottenham are prioritising Premier League proven talent to reshape their squad this season. Following their narrow escape from relegation last campaign, they are attempting to complete their transfer dealings swiftly.
During his temporary stint at the Nou Camp, he registered 14 goals and 14 assists in 49 appearances for the Catalans. Last season, Spurs were short of firepower, managing just 48 goals in 38 Premier League fixtures.
Rashford's time at United began to sour when he fell out with Ruben Amorim, who sent him on loan to Villa and then jettisoned him from the first team squad upon his return. Despite Michael Carrick now being in situ, the situation between the United academy graduate and Rashford has not changed.
Alan Shearer even urged Carrick to not even consider bringing Rashford back into the fold, saying: "I don't think it will be difficult for Rashford to focus on his game at the World Cup because ultimately he has a contract at Man United, albeit they don't want him and he doesn't want to be there, but he has got a contract behind him so it's not as if he's struggling for cash.
"Things will get sorted. I think both may be playing a game. Barcelona may be testing Man United by refusing to pay what they want and then it'll get so late into the transfer window and Man United won't want him in their squad.
"I don't think it'll be at all worrying for Rashford. I think he'll be able to focus for England. After all, he is playing in the biggest tournament. I don't think that will be an issue at all.