Two clubs blocked from activating £40 million clause in Marcus Rashford's Man Utd contract

Marcus Rashford has a £40 million clause in his Manchester United contract that can be triggered by all clubs apart from Liverpool and Manchester City, it has been revealed.

The future of Rashford remains uncertain. He joined Barcelona from United last summer on a season-long loan and featured regularly for the La Liga winners, notching 14 goals and 14 assists in all competitions.

At one stage, it looked as if a permanent transfer was on the horizon but after Anthony Gordon, who also plays on the left flank, joined Barca from Newcastle United last month, it appears their priorities changed.

Barca decided against activating the €30 million (£25.9m) buy option in Rashford's season-long loan and, as things stand, he will return to United next month, according to The Athletic.

The report goes on to suggest that the 28-year-old has a £40 million clause which can be activated by any club other than Liverpool and Manchester City.

A number of Premier League sides have expressed an interest in the player but Rashford's preference would be to see out the remaining two years of his contract at United rather than join an English outfit.

Marcus Rashford's future at club level remains uncertain. Image credit: Getty

The forward, who has made over 400 appearances for boyhood club United, would be welcomed back to Old Trafford by Michael Carrick, according to a report from the Telegraph in January.

Which other clubs are interested in signing Rashford?

Earlier this month, The i Paper reported that up to five clubs, including Newcastle United and Aston Villa, were monitoring Rashford ahead of the summer window opening.

The forward would arrive at St James' Park as a replacement for Anthony Gordon, while he spent the second part of the 2024/25 season on loan at Villa under Unai Emery.

When Rashford learned of his inclusion in England's World Cup squad, he paid tribute to Emery for playing a key role in helping him get back into contention on the international stage.

READ MORE: Five clubs express interest in Marcus Rashford including three Premier League sides

Manchester United in 'pole position' to sign West Ham's Mateus Fernandes

Earlier this month, United reached an agreement over the signing of Ederson, who is expected to join Michael Carrick's side from Serie A side Atalanta in a deal worth an initial £35 million plus £4m in add-ons.

As well as Ederson, several names have been linked with a summer switch, including West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes.

In fact, United are leading the race to sign Fernandes, according to a report from The Sun, which claims Real Madrid, who have also monitored the player, 'expect' him to join the ranks at Old Trafford.

Arsenal have also cooled their interest in the Portugal international.

The report goes on to suggest that Fernandes is valued at the £80 million mark by West Ham, although United are hoping to 'strike a compromise' after they were relegated to the Championship.