Marcus Rashford’s permanent move to Barcelona has reportedly taken a significant turn, as Manchester United are also facing a huge transfer battle
Michael Carrick’s inaugural summer transfer window as Manchester United manager appears destined to be a frantic affair.
The club legend has already guided his former side back into the Champions League but is now poised to be given control in the transfer market. Among the initial priorities for United will be settling Marcus Rashford’s future. And the England striker has been given a significant development concerning Barcelona following a successful loan spell at the Camp Nou.
There’s also been a shocking development regarding the pursuit of one Premier League talent who could take his countryman’s place. Here’s all the latest news from Old Trafford ahead of the Red Devils’ final game of the season away against Brighton on Sunday.
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Flick wades into Rashford deal
The likelihood of Rashford making a permanent switch to Barca appears to have increased after Hansi Flick gave his blessing to the transfer.
Updates from Spain indicate the German manager has told Rashford he’s relying on him to return to Catalonia once more, reports the Mirror.
It has emerged that Barcelona would favour that being in the shape of another loan arrangement, with an option to make the switch permanent in 2027.
Nevertheless, United are reluctant to accept those conditions as they look to authorise a sale this summer. Flick’s reassurance marks a crucial development in the saga, as it suggests he may exert influence on Barcelona’s hierarchy to finalise a deal immediately.
It’s widely acknowledged that La Liga’s consecutive champions aren’t in the strongest financial position, but United will be hoping Robert Lewandowski’s departure will release the necessary funds to retain Rashford’s services.
It’s been established for some time that Barcelona can make Rashford’s switch permanent for a sum of approximately £26million. The Catalans have tried to drive down that valuation, but United are holding firm on the price for a player who has notched 14 goals and 14 assists this campaign.
Should Flick fail to land his target, United will presumably be content to showcase Rashford to potential buyers and potentially secure an even more lucrative transfer fee. Meanwhile, Carrick would embrace the player’s return to Old Trafford in what could still represent a dramatic twist in the months ahead.
Bowen sparks transfer battle
Should Rashford depart the club, one candidate being considered as his replacement will be West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen. Yet United will be nowhere near the only Premier League giant pursuing his signature.
The Guardian revealed West Ham will need to generate £100m through player departures this summer should they face relegation. And England international Bowen will be among the prime contenders to be offloaded if the east London outfit drop down. It’s understood Liverpool and Chelsea are also monitoring Bowen’s situation closely.
Liverpool in particular could pose serious competition after being previously linked with the forward, and Mohamed Salah’s departure will demand fresh attacking options. It’s thought the Hammers talisman could be available for around £50m.
Bowen, 29, has netted eight goals and provided 10 assists so far this campaign ahead of Sunday’s relegation showdown at home to Leeds. In reality, the Hammers must defeat Leeds and hope Spurs, who currently sit two points clear, suffer defeat at home to Everton to maintain any survival hopes.
United may pursue Bowen even if West Ham avoid relegation, given Nuno Espirito Santo’s outfit will likely need to offload key players anyway. It’s believed the Red Devils admire Bowen’s attacking flexibility, though the intense competition for his services could prove problematic and he turns 30 in December.