(Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media, Imago)

Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Mon 16 March 2026 17:30, UK

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Manchester United are still engaged in discussions with Barcelona regarding a permanent transfer for Marcus Rashford, sources have told Football Insider.

The Spanish giants have the option to buy the England international for £26million this summer, but the pricetag involved in the initial agreement has become something of a barrier to a deal.

That has caused the potential deal to stall a little in recent weeks, although sources have now suggested that there is still a willingness from all parties to get it over the line ahead of next season.

Manchester United’s own transfer plans are taking shape, and it is understood that they have already moved on from Rashford, who has no future at the club, and Barcelona remain “in the box seat” to secure his signature.

Old Trafford hierarchy playing hardball over fee

Rashford has spent the last calendar year out on loan away from Old Trafford, and it has become increasingly clear that both he and the club see no future for him on the red side of Manchester.

A successful stint with Aston Villa last term provided the springboard for him to secure an eye-catching move to Barcelona for 2025-26, and he has been in impressive form since moving to Spain.

The forward has struck four goals and six assists from just 23 league games so far this season, while also adding a further eight goal involvements from nine Champions League outings.

The Blaugrana are keen to sign him permanently as a result, but they have not found it easy to strike a deal with the Red Devils so far.

United are playing hardball over the fee for the 28-year-old, as they are unwilling to reduce the asking price or alter the structure of the clause at the moment, according to the Manchester Evening News.

That has made things difficult for Barcelona to progress towards a deal in recent weeks, but with a desire to reach an agreement now emerging on all sides, it still appears likely that the move will go through.

Keith Wyness concerned with huge Man United debt

Former Aston Villa chief executive Keith Wyness recently told Football Insider that Champions League qualification may only paper over the cracks for United after they revealed a huge debt in their recent accounts.

The Red Devils are currently facing a debt of almost £1.3billion, with over £400m still owed to other clubs in transfer fees.

Wyness has suggested that the true picture at Old Trafford “isn’t as rosy” as the one that the club hierarchy are trying to paint at the moment, and it is clear that the club is still desperately in need of further cash.

With that in mind, stances like their one on Rashford are no surprise, given the need to begin eating into that debt in the coming years. ootbal