Overview

• On a season-long loan from Manchester United, Barcelona hold a non-mandatory option to buy Marcus Rashford for about €30 million (£26 million).
• Rashford netted his first league goal for Barcelona in a 4-1 defeat at Sevilla after a strong run that includes a Champions League brace at Newcastle.
• Multiple outlets report Barcelona will seek to lower the agreed option or arrange another loan due to financial constraints and league salary rules.
• Reporting indicates Rashford prefers to remain in Catalonia, a stance that analysts say limits Manchester United’s negotiating leverage.
• Barcelona are currently covering the forward’s substantial wages, and club figures have been quoted as surprised by the relatively low proposed fee.