Man Utd news: Marcus Rashford in Barcelona transfer twist as club reach contract agreement

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Manchester United are already focusing their attention on shaping the squad ahead of the summer. The club has secured third place in the Premier League and will return to the Champions League next term.

Michael Carrick has been instrumental in transforming the team’s form during his spell in charge. As the 44-year-old edges closer to being appointed United boss permanently, he will be aware that several key decisions need to be made in the transfer window.

United loanee Marcus Rashford has continued to dominate headlines during his time away from Old Trafford. The forward has been clear about his desire to stay with La Liga champions Barcelona but still faces uncertainty over a permanent move to the Catalan club .

Meanwhile, veteran goalkeeper Tom Heaton is nearing a new deal, which would be a boost to the club’s Champions League squad. Here, Mirror Football looks at some of the biggest stories surrounding the Red Devils.

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Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo reports that Rashford has already agreed in principle to a three-year deal with Barcelona but the terms must be changed to seal a permanent move . The England international’s salary is claimed to be 40 per cent lower than his wages at United.

Mundo Deportivo reports that Rashford views changing the three-year agreement as his “only option” to stay at Barcelona. It is explained that extending his deal to a five-year contract would be financially beneficial for the club, as it would allow the Catalan side to amortise the transfer fee over a longer period.

Barcelona have an option to make Rashford’s stay permanent for around £26million. The 28-year-old has contributed eight goals and nine assists in 31 appearances, helping Hansi Flick’s side secure the league title this season.

However, the two clubs are yet to reach an agreement and have been locked in discussions over the previously agreed fee. The Catalan club are unwilling to meet the £26m buy option, while United have no intention of lowering the price.

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Experienced goalkeeper Tom Heaton is set to sign a one-year contract extension at United. The 40-year-old has served as the club’s third-choice shot-stopper since 2021, making his last competitive appearance in February 2023.

Heaton began his career in United’s academy and enjoyed successful spells elsewhere before returning to his boyhood club. The former England international has also been a mentor figure for United’s new number one Senne Lammens this season.

The former Burnley star agreeing to extend his stay at Old Trafford will be beneficial to United’s Champions League squad, as he qualifies as a homegrown player. UEFA rules dictate that every club must have a quota of eight association-trained players, including a minimum of four homegrown stars, to submit a full 25-man squad list.

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