BARCELONA are “ecstatic” with Marcus Rashford — and want to take up the option of turning his loan from Manchester United into a permanent move.
The Catalan giants have been impressed with the England forward’s work ethic and talent since he moved to Spain from Old Trafford.
The 27-year-old, who is with the Three Lions preparing for the World Cup qualifier in Latvia on Tuesday night, has bagged three goals and five assists in ten appearances for Barca so far this season.
And his form has delighted his bosses — who initially feared there must be something WRONG with Rashford for United to be willing to let such a player go.
A source said: “Barcelona had an issue with signing Marcus initially, which was the club’s financial situation.
“But they also thought United were playing a game because they were willing to let him go.
“They thought it was too good to be true — there must be something wrong with him.
“His brother Dwaine persuaded them there was nothing wrong — and that he wasn’t going to mess them about.
“Barca are now really shocked that they could sign him for what they see as a bargain.”
SunSport understands Barcelona would have to pay £25million to sign the England international — plus £5m in add-ons — while United would also command a share of any sell-on fee.
And Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has revealed that last summer he urged the club’s sporting director Deco to sign Rashford.
Flick said: “I told Deco in the summer, ‘Bring me Rashford, bring me Rashford, please’. We needed a player like him.”
Despite a disappointing debut, Rashford sparked into life in a Champions League clash against Newcastle, scoring twice.
After the game Flick said he was “really happy for him” and that the goals would give him huge confidence.
Rashford has also impressed England boss Thomas Tuchel and came on as a second-half substitute in Thursday’s thumping 3-0 friendly win over Wales at Wembley.
He will now hope to start in Latvia.
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