Manchester United has set Marcus Rashford’s transfer value at £40 million ($34.8 million), according to sources speaking to ESPN. The club has dismissed the possibility of him transferring to arch-rivals Liverpool or Manchester City, particularly after Barcelona declined to make his loan move permanent.
Now 28, Rashford is currently in the United States, preparing for England’s World Cup match against Croatia, which takes place in Dallas on Wednesday. However, his club future hangs in the balance following Barcelona’s decision not to activate a €30 million option to turn his season-long loan into a permanent transfer.
The Manchester native had an impressive last season, netting 14 goals and providing 14 assists in 49 matches, contributing to Hansi Flick’s team’s LaLiga triumph.
However, Barcelona’s recent £69.3 million ($93 million) acquisition of Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon has thwarted Rashford’s chances of securing a permanent position at Camp Nou. He is now anticipated to return to United after a break following his World Cup commitments.
Having debuted under Louis van Gaal in February 2016, Rashford has made over 400 senior appearances for United and has two years remaining on his £350,000 ($470,000) weekly contract at Old Trafford.
– Manchester United stars in new Amazon ‘All or Nothing’ documentary
– Transfer rumors: Roma interested in ex-Man United striker Greenwood?
Sources indicate that Rashford prefers to complete his contract at United rather than move to another Premier League club. However, while United would consider selling him within England, a transfer to Liverpool or City for the £40 million ($53.7 million) fee is off the table.
Historically, transfers between United and Liverpool have been rare since the 1960s, and significant player movements between United and City have also been scarce, with Carlos Tevez being the last major player to switch from Old Trafford to the Etihad in 2009.