Marcus Rashford looks set to make his loan move to Barcelona permanent, with the Spanish club reportedly accepting to meet the £26million buyout clause while personal terms are being negotiated
Marcus Rashford.
Barcelona are reportedly stepping up their efforts to sign Marcus Rashford from Man United.(Image: Getty Images)
View 2 Images
Barcelona have reportedly come to terms with paying £26million to secure Manchester United's Marcus Rashford on a permanent basis. Rashford joined the Spanish giants on a season-long loan at the start of the campaign, seeking regular first-team football after finding himself out of favour at Old Trafford.
Having seen his opportunities limited at United, Rashford spent a brief loan spell at Aston Villa a year ago, but now appears destined for a permanent departure from his childhood club.
Spanish publication Sport has claimed that Hansi Flick's side have agreed to meet the €30million (£26m) buyout clause and are now thrashing out personal terms.
Rashford is prepared to take a wage reduction in order to seal his move to the Catalan heavyweights. The outlet reports that the England international is willing to make financial concessions to cement his place at Barcelona and has made it clear he'll do whatever is necessary to complete the move.
The striker's representatives met with sporting director Deco on Monday to accelerate negotiations over his permanent stay. Barcelona are working on restructuring his wages and are reportedly 'calmly finalising the agreement' with the England star, with a formal announcement expected at the conclusion of the season.
The Catalan club are optimistic that Rashford's market value will rise and they'll be able to recover their investment should he eventually depart.
Earlier reports suggested Barcelona were attempting to negotiate the fee downwards ahead of a potential summer transfer, despite Rashford registering 10 goals and 13 assists in all competitions.
Rashford has previously made clear his desire to make the switch permanent and recently posted an hourglass emoji on Instagram, suggesting a deal could be imminent. He told SPORT: "I'm adapting very well to the club and the city.
Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford has enjoyed his football with Barcelona this season(Image: Getty Images)
View 2 Images
"From the moment I arrived I felt that everyone welcomed me very well. For me, the reason I'm here is to help the team win trophies.
"Last season was fantastic, but in life everything happens very quickly, things change and the goal is to repeat the successes.
"I'm totally focused on this. With the staff and the teammates everything is fantastic, I can't complain.
"Of course what I want is to stay at Barca. It's an end goal, but it's not the reason why I'm training hard and giving it my best.
"The purpose is to win. Barca is a huge, fantastic club, built to win titles."
He continued: "There is pressure here, but it is not a negative pressure. It's the one you want as a player, the one I want and have always wanted as a footballer.
"I can't be in a place where important objectives are not demanded of you. For me, it is more difficult to be motivated and give my best at a club where the demand is not maximum.
"I'm in the perfect place and environment to continue my journey as a football player, so I just try to do my best every day and help the team win. We'll see what happens next summer."