Man Utd have two Marcus Rashford swap deals on the table after Anthony Gordon joins Barcelona

With Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon close to joining Barcelona and effectively ending Marcus Rashford’s hopes of a return to the Camp Nou, Manchester United now have two options they could pursue to get the Englishman off the books this summer.

Despite Rashford helping Barca win La Liga during his season-long loan in Catalonia, it appears that the Spanish giants are close to signing Newcastle and England star Gordon in a deal worth a reported £69.3 million rather than making the Manchester United forward’s initial loan a permanent transfer.

It was previously reported that United had an agreement in place with Barca, which would see Rashford sign for the La Liga champions for around £26 million.

Now, according to The Athletic, Barca have doubts over making Rashford’s deal permanent with senior executives reportedly viewing Gordon as a better fit as the Everton academy graduate can play across the front line as well as on both wings.

How does this impact Rashford?

Although United head coach Carrick has a good working relationship with Rashford, given the cloud under which he moved to Barca, a return to Old Trafford appears unlikely at this time.

When questioned on the topic back in April, Carrick said: "There's decisions to be made on certain things, and obviously Marcus is in that situation.

"But at this point in time, nothing's been decided.

"It will be, because it has to be at a certain point, but at this stage, there's nothing to say."

However, former United centre-back Jaap Stam believes a swap deal between United and AC Milan involving Portuguese winger Rafael Leao could work for all parties involved, with the 26-year-old having a £131 million release clause in his current deal.

Speaking to ComeOn, Stam explained: "Maybe a swap between Rafael Leao and Marcus Rashford could work. Leao is also a good player.

"He has shown his potential at Milan, of course, in what he can do. I think he is a player that should be on the list of targets for Man Utd. Having said that, you need to have a look not only at the skill of a player, but also at the mentality of players.

"You need to consider the situation where the club is, what player they are bringing in that is going to help the club going forward, so that you don't get any irritations from players who are not being picked to start."

Meanwhile, Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo reports United are keeping tabs on Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado with a swap deal potentially offering Rashford an alternative route to a return to the Camp Nou.

Casado would likely be seen as a direct replacement for Casemiro, who will leave United upon the expiration of his contract next month.

The 22-year-old has registered one goal and seven assists in 75 senior appearances for Barca.

De Jong wants Rashford to stay

Netherlands international and Barca midfielder Frenkie De Jong has already made it clear that he would like to see Rashford at the Camp Nou next season, with the Dutchman telling SPORT: “In the minutes he's played, he has given us a lot: goals, assists, depth. He is a fast player, who threatens rival defences. I would be delighted if he continued with us.

"He arrived here with a lot of enthusiasm. He was very happy to be here and from the first moment he arrived you could already see that he wanted to stay. He's tried to adapt as best he could and I've seen him do well."

Rashford is contracted to United until the summer of 2028 and reportedly earns £325,000 per week.