Marcus Rashford has already put together a contingency plan in case Barcelona don't sign him permanently this summer.
Despite still being contracted to his boyhood club, Rashford hasn't made an appearance for Man Utd since December 2024 in the Europa League vs Viktoria Plzeň.
The England international was ostracised from the squad by former manager Ruben Amorim, spending the second half of last season at Aston Villa before joining Barcelona in the summer.
Since arriving in Catalonia, the 28-year-old has enjoyed a productive season providing over ten goals and assists, including five goals in this season's Champions League.
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Rashford's loan to the La Liga club included a buy option for a rather conservative fee of £26m, which seems a bargain on the outside looking in.
Despite the low fee, Barcelona's sporting director Deco has confirmed the club will not activate the clause before the summer due to the club's financial difficulties.
According to The Mirror, Rashford has made it very clear his preference is to stay at the Nou Camp, but has a plan in place in case the deal falls through.
The report claims Rashford has no interest in returning to Manchester despite the club's resurgence under Michael Carrick and is willing to renegotiate his wages to stay in Spain.
If a move to the Catalan giants fails to materialise Rashford will still look elsewhere rather than returning to his boyhood club.
Although the club seem unwilling to commit to Rashford at this stage, manager Hansi Flick has insisted he is happy with the forward, but admitted he wants more goals.
"When you see the chances he has, one or two goals more will be good, also for him. But we can be happy with him, of course. I am very happy with him," Flick said last year.
Rashford 'at home' in Barcelona
Speaking in December, Rashford praised his teammates for helping him settle into a new environment so quickly.
Rashford told Mundo Deportivo: “All my teammates welcomed me warmly and I also felt very comfortable in the city.
“It’s the first time I’ve lived away from Manchester, but I’m already starting to feel at home. I want to learn more Spanish and I’m trying.”
The Mancunian, who has a reputation for his remarkable charity work in the UK, also credited the club's work in the community for helping him feel part of the Barcelona family.
“Since I was young, I’ve tried to help in these situations," he explained.
"I’m very happy to be here today, because I’m in a new country, but it’s important for me to understand the people here.
“That way, I can start helping here. I hope it’s not the last time I can do something like this.”
Topics: Marcus Rashford, Barcelona, Manchester United, Football, Transfer News, Premier League, La Liga
Tom Jenkins