Rashford agrees Barcelona deal - Sunday's gossip

Barcelona are poised to make Marcus Rashford’s loan switch from Manchester United permanent after the 28-year-old England striker agreed a three-year contract with the Catalan club. According to Spanish publication Sport, Barça intend to activate a release clause worth approximately £26 million this summer to secure Rashford on a full-time basis.

The forward has spent the current campaign on loan at the Spotify Camp Nou and his performances have convinced club officials to accelerate negotiations ahead of the next transfer window. The deal, if completed, would end Rashford’s long association with United and represent a significant statement of intent from Barcelona as they reshape their attacking options.

Elsewhere in Europe, Chelsea’s 24-year-old Senegal international Nicolas Jackson, currently on loan at Bayern Munich, has emerged as a target for both AC Milan and Aston Villa. Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Milan have added Jackson to a forward shortlist that also includes Borussia Dortmund’s 29-year-old Guinea striker Serhou Guirassy. Villa, meanwhile, are preparing for the potential departure of 30-year-old England forward Ollie Watkins and view Jackson as a viable replacement.

Real Madrid are eyeing a midfield reinforcement, with Radio Marca claiming the Spanish giants are ready to launch a £44 million move for Manchester City’s 29-year-old Spain international Rodri.

In the Premier League, Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon has been linked with Arsenal, but Sky Sports clarifies that the 25-year-old England international has four years remaining on his Magpies contract, not the widely reported two.

Atletico Madrid and Juventus have joined Newcastle in monitoring the situation of 26-year-old Uruguay striker Darwin Nunez, who has slipped down the pecking order at Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal. Juventus have also placed 27-year-old France striker Randal Kolo Muani, currently on loan at Tottenham from Paris St-Germain, at the top of their summer wish-list, according to Tuttosport.

Off the pitch, former England manager Gareth Southgate has distanced himself from speculation linking him with the Manchester United hot-seat, telling the Football Boardroom Podcast that he is “not actively looking for a role in coaching”. AC Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri, meanwhile, has dismissed suggestions he is considering his future at the Serie A club.