Marcus Rashford to Barcelona transfer twist as Spanish giants eye ex-Premier League star

Barcelona are yet to make a decision on whether to trigger Marcus Rashford's £26m release clause this summer

Barcelona have reportedly started considering alternatives to Marcus Rashford, with the possibility of activating his Manchester United release clause understood to have diminished. The Catalan club hold an option to turn his loan from United into a permanent £26million transfer.

However, no final decision has been reached amid mounting uncertainty. According to Spanish newspaper Marca, Barca's intentions to sign Rashford have 'cooled drastically' due to reservations over his displays since the start of the year. The forward has netted just twice in his last 16 outings and has been unable to capitalise on positional rival Raphinha's injury-enforced absence.

Barcelona are reportedly weighing up whether the pre-agreed sum for Rashford might be better deployed elsewhere following their Champions League exit at the hands of Atletico Madrid. They have pinpointed Julian Alvarez as a possible alternative, though Atletico are thought to be readying a significant wage hike to ward off any interest in the former Manchester City striker.

Rashford would also constitute a considerably more affordable option compared to Atleti's reported £175m valuation of Alvarez.

Barca must also brace themselves for the prospect of Robert Lewandowski's departure this summer should no fresh agreement be reached.

Reports suggest the club have tabled a new contract to the veteran striker, albeit on considerably reduced terms.

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With negotiations yet to conclude, Barcelona have reportedly earmarked Alexander Sorloth as a potential successor to Lewandowski.

The former Crystal Palace striker is said to have impressed the club with his technical similarities to the Polish frontman and his capacity to slot seamlessly into Hansi Flick's system.

There has also been speculation that Barca would favour extending Rashford's stay via another loan arrangement from a financial perspective.

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However, United are understood to be firmly pushing for a permanent sale of the academy product.

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