Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly preparing to make a move for Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford if his permanent transfer to Barcelona collapses this summer, though the deal is contingent on Spurs avoiding relegation from the Premier League.
Rashford's Barcelona Loan
Rashford left Manchester United to join Barcelona on a season-long loan last summer, with an option to make the move permanent for €30 million (£26 million). The England international enjoyed a strong first half of the season in Spain, scoring 10 of his 13 goals before the end of January, and rediscovering his form under head coach Hansi Flick.
Flick is keen to secure Rashford on a permanent basis, but despite the forward scoring three goals in his last four appearances, major doubts have emerged over the transfer. Reports in Spain claim Barcelona will attempt to negotiate a lower fee for the permanent switch, a move Manchester United have no intention of accepting.
Potential Return to Manchester
Should the stand-off continue, Rashford is expected to return to Carrington for pre-season after this summer's World Cup. According to Catalan daily SPORT, it is increasingly likely that Rashford will head back to Manchester, where another permanent move will be explored. The publication reports that Tottenham have shown 'genuine interest' in signing the 28-year-old.
Rashford spent the second half of last season on loan at Aston Villa, and a return to the Premier League with Tottenham could be on the cards. However, any plans Spurs have this summer hinge on them avoiding relegation. Despite winning their first game of the year away to Wolves on Saturday, Tottenham remain in the relegation zone, two points clear of safety with four matches remaining. If they go down, any plans to sign Rashford will be abandoned.
Ferdinand's Verdict
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand recently described the reported £26 million arrangement with Barcelona as 'absolute robbery'. While there have been reports that United manager Michael Carrick is open to integrating Rashford back into the squad, Ferdinand believes the forward's time at the club is over.
'Potentially he's that good, it's just that we haven't seen it for a while at Manchester United and there's obviously reasons behind that,' Ferdinand said. 'But let's forget that now, that page is turned. He's now at Barcelona, ten goals, ten assists this season, what a loan signing he has been for Barcelona if you look at it like that. Would you have that Marcus Rashford back [at Manchester United]? 100 per cent, but I think that ship has sailed.'
