Barcelona want to drive down Marcus Rashford fee as Michael Carrick becomes favourite for Manchester United job – Paper Round

Manchester United value Marcus Rashford at around £50 million, but Barcelona are hoping to get him for less than their £26 million option.

His form has improved in Spain on loan at the club and Barca hope that his desire to join them can drive down the fee United are able to demand in the summer.

“[Spanish newspaper] Sport is now reporting that a crucial meeting happened between Barca’s sporting director Deco and Arturo Canales, Rashford’s agent, on Monday, to start laying the groundwork for discussions with United ahead of the summer.

“The newspaper claims that Deco’s goal is to attempt to lower the €30 million purchase option agreed last summer – though Barca do plan to sign the forward permanently this summer.

“It’s understood that United officials believe the England international’s value is now nearer to £50m, with several other clubs showing interest in signing him this summer. However, Rashford’s desire to secure a permanent switch to Barcelona means they could exploit that to negotiate a lower price.”

Carrick leads race for United job

The Sun believes that a lack of credible alternatives to Michael Carrick is making him the leading option for the permanent job at Old Trafford.

Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Tuchel, Julian Nagelsmann and Carlo Ancelotti are all less than ideal candidates for various reasons.

“Thomas Tuchel only had short odds as his contract with the Football Association was up after the World Cup. He is now definitely out of the running, having inked an extension.

“If Pochettino returns to the Premier League after coaching the United States at the World Cup, a homecoming at Tottenham feels probable.

“Carlo Ancelotti, under contract with the Brazil national team until the end of the finals and widely expected to sign a new four-year deal, is a coach who succeeds with settled squads. United’s squad rebuild is far from complete.

“Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann’s contract expires in 2026 and he has been out of club football for three years.”

Wilson linked with move away

The Athletic suggests that because of a lack of visibility for Marco Silva’s future at Fulham, Harry Wilson may move on without signing a new deal.

The 28-year-old is out of contract in the summer and he is linked with Aston Villa, Everton and a move to Serie A.

“With uncertainty in the dugout, it makes sense for Wilson to consider his options. 

“Aston Villa’s tactics under manager Unai Emery appear custom-made for Wilson, who could slot naturally into one of their three attacking midfield roles.

“Everton, who themselves defeated Fulham 2-1 earlier this month courtesy of a late Bernd Leno own goal, are another club who would benefit from the 28-year-old’s inventiveness and technical quality. And David Moyes’ side are likely to have a creative hole to fill this summer.

“Instead, if he wants to spend his prime years at a Champions League club, he may be better served swapping London life for the la dolce vita of Serie A.”

Harry Wilson.

Image credit: Getty Images

Diomande in demand

An agency row is brewing for RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande, according to The Telegraph.

While explaining the details, the paper also mentions Manchester United, Liverpool, Tottenham and Bayern are all keen.

“He is expected to go to the World Cup with Ivory Coast this summer and clubs would also like to bring the teenager to England.

“Tottenham Hotspur have been watching his situation closely as they look to bolster that area of their squad. But he is also on the radar of Manchester United and Liverpool, who have watched him during his rookie Bundesliga campaign. Bayern Munich will be in the mix for him in the summer too, having made an offer in January.”