Barcelona miss deadline to sign Marcus Rashford

Barcelona have allowed the €26 million option to buy Marcus Rashford to expire on 31 March without triggering the clause, leaving the England attacker set to return to Manchester United when his loan ends. Sporting director Deco confirmed the clause existed, but the Catalans, constrained by ongoing financial issues, took no action, and United will not sanction a second loan, insisting on a permanent sale only. The 28-year-old’s 23 goal involvements in Spain have restored some shine to his market value, yet United’s stance means negotiations must now start afresh if Barcelona still wish to keep him.