Man United striker Marcus Rashford scored twice for Barcelona last week, but the two clubs are heading for a stand-off over the fee to make his on-loan move permanent.
Rashford secured a loan move to Barcelona in the summer
Manchester United and Barcelona are heading for a stand-off over Marcus Rashford’s valuation.
Barca are looking to make on-loan United star Rashford’s signing permanent in a cut-price deal worth around £25million.
But United value Rashford – who scored twice in Barca’s 2-1 Champions League win at Newcastle last week – closer to £40m.
Rashford joined Spanish giants Barca on a season-long loan move after falling foul of United boss Ruben Amorim just a month after he took over.
England striker Rashford spent the second half of last season on loan with Aston Villa, before securing a move to the Nou Camp for this season.
Rashford opened his Barca account with a stunning brace in a 2-1 Champions League win at Newcastle(Image: Michael Regan – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
Despite a slow start at Barca, Rashford’s stunning brace at Newcastle underlined his enduring quality, although he was dropped at the weekend after turning up late for a team meeting.
Despite that transgression, Barca coach Hansi Flick is said to have been impressed with Rashford since the forward’s arrival at the club.
Barca have the option to sign the 27-year-old on a permanent basis next summer but United are not be prepared to let him go on the cheap.
The better Rashford performs at Barca, the higher his market value will soar, with United determined to get the best possible price for their academy graduate.
Since joining Barca, Rashford has found himself back in England head coach Thomas Tuchel’s plans ahead of next summer’s World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico.
Rashford has three years left on his £325,000-a-week contract with United, with Barca covering his full salary for the duration of the loan agreement.
As long as Amorim remains in charge of United, Rashford knows he has no chance of returning to his boyhood club, having chosen to restart his career elsewhere.
Even if Barca and United cannot agree on a permanent fee for Rashford next summer, the striker would still look to find an alternative club to United if Amorim is still in charge.