If Manchester United are hoping to hang on to Marcus Rashford, they’d better get moving.
The Red Devils are reportedly set to offer Rashford a lucrative new six-year deal - but according to The Sun, Barcelona have joined Real Madrid in the “transfer race” for the talented marksman.
The newspaper says the England striker is in discussions with Old Trafford bosses “over an improvement to his £45,000-a-week contract”, a development that should boost the two Spanish giants’ hopes of luring the 21-year-old from Manchester.
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Real were first linked to Rashford last November, but now Spanish media is reporting that Barca are also ready to make a bid in June.
With rumours growing that Luis Suarez could be set to move to Old Trafford in the summer, it makes sense that Rashford would want to up sticks to ensure he gets regular game time.
The problem for both Real and Barcelona could be the asking price, with The Sun claiming that Rashford will cost more than £86m, as he has no release clause.
Koulibaly hope
Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly is still very much in United’s minds, so they should be delighted to hear recent comments by his agent, Bruno Satin, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Described by the paper as one of the club’s “top transfer targets” ahead of the summer window, the 27-year-old has also been linked to Juventus.
Satin addressed those rumours during a chat with Italy’s Radio Kiss Kiss, saying: “I don’t think he would ever betray them to go to Juventus.”
The Manchester Evening News believes that statement will only encourage United in their pursuit of the Senegal international.
Face must fit
The Daily Star says that United chief executive Ed Woodward is “desperate” to sign Koulibaly, and also has his eye on several other players for a possible swoop. These include winger Douglas Costa of Juventus and Atletico Madrid defender Lucas Hernandez.
But might United caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer veto such high-profile moves if he gets the gig full-time, given the way that Alexis Sanchez has flopped at Old Trafford?
The Star quotes the Norwegian saying: “It is not about X amount of players. It has to be the right one and one who fits. The personality has to fit with the team.”
Premier League fixtures and TV guide
Friday 22 February
- Cardiff City vs. Watford (7.45pm)
- West Ham United vs. Fulham (7.45pm, live on Sky Sports)
Saturday 23 February
- Burnley vs. Tottenham Hotspur (12.30pm, live on Sky Sports)
- AFC Bournemouth vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers (3pm)
- Newcastle United vs. Huddersfield Town (3pm)
- Leicester City vs. Crystal Palace (5.30pm, live on BT Sport 1)
Sunday 24 February
- Arsenal vs. Southampton (2.05pm)
- Manchester United vs. Liverpool (2.05pm, live on Sky Sports)
Carabao Cup final
Chelsea vs. Manchester City
- When: Sunday 24 February
- Where: Wembley Stadium, London
- Kick-off time: 4.30pm
- TV channel: live on Sky Sports
