As Manchester United target a midfield replacement after Casemiro’s departure announcement, Barcelona have clarified their position on a Man Utd target, which could affect Marcus Rashford’s future.
Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford moved to Barcelona on a season-long loan in the summer, with the deal including a £26 million option to buy.
Following a loan spell at Aston Villa during the second half of last season, the 27-year-old viewed the move as an opportunity for a fresh start and a break from the intense spotlight of the English media.
Rashford has flourished in Spain, registering seven goals and 12 assists in 30 appearances across LaLiga and the Champions League.
With Casemiro announcing that he’s leaving Old Trafford at the end of this season, Manchester United have sounded out Barcelona’s Marc Casado as a potential replacement, but with Hansi Flick clarifying his stance on Casado’s future, Rashford’s may also be impacted.
Man Utd swap deal update
Casado,22, has been linked with a move away from the Camp Nou in search of regular game time, with Manchester United expressing their interest in the midfielder after Casemiro’s departure announcement.
As reported by Manchester Evening News, there have been tentative suggestions that a swap deal including Rashford for Casado could be agreed upon in the summer.
Any chances of a deal have been hampered after Hansi Flick dismissed the possibility of the midfielder leaving Barcelona
“For me, there’s no question of him leaving,” Flick said. “We need everyone. Marc is a super professional player.
“He deserved to play today [vs Real Oviedo]. He’s worked hard. I liked what I saw. That’s the Casado we want to see.”
Another option for Rashford emerges
Despite expressing interest in signing Rashford permanently in the summer, it’s believed that Barcelona could struggle to pay the full £30 million included in the loan deal, as well as his high wages.
As reported by Football Insider, PSG are reported to be interested in the Englishman, and could join the pursuit of a permanent move for the 28-year-old in the summer should Barcelona choose not to activate the buy clause, and could propose a player swap which would make both sides content.
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There is also the option of Rashford returning to Old Trafford now that Ruben Amorim is no longer in charge, after their public fall-out over claims of a lack of work ethic in training.
Despite this, it is still expected that Man Utd will look to cash in on the Carrington graduate, and perhaps it is best for both parties to steer clear and not repeat what happened with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo in his second stint at Old Trafford.
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