Forward Marcus Rashford is increasingly likely to remain at Manchester United, according to transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano.
Rashford enjoyed a successful loan spell at Barcelona last season and was tipped to make a permanent move to the La Liga defending champions.
However, Barcelona opted to sign Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United and Karim Adeyemi from Borussia Dortmund instead to bolster their attack.
Rashford has been linked with several other clubs, including Turkish side Fenerbahce, but Man United are yet to receive a formal approach for the English forward.
Romano now says United are optimistic about keeping Rashford beyond this summer.
“Day by day, the feeling internally at Manchester United is that Marcus Rashford has increasing chances of staying at the club,” he said on his YouTube channel.
“The expectation now is that, unless something crazy happens in the transfer market, Rashford could really stay at United and compete for a place. There are currently no concrete moves for his exit.”
Manager Michael Carrick is ready to reintegrate Rashford into the squad. His return could prove crucial for the club next season.
Rashford, hailed by former Man United manager Erik ten Hag as ‘elite‘, would add more quality to the attack with his pace, directness and goalscoring prowess.
Rashford registered 28 goal contributions and averaged 0.57 goal involvements per game last season, outperforming every United forward in both metrics.
His versatility across the frontline could also spare United the expense of signing another left winger or striker, allowing the club to prioritise reinforcements in midfield and at left-back.
Rashford is expected to join the rest of the squad later this month. He could feature in the pre-season friendly against AC Milan at the Tarczynski Arena on August 15.
Man United take on Paris Saint-Germain in their next pre-season fixture on Saturday.
Stats from Transfermarkt