Sources: Leader named in Marcus Rashford race as Barcelona battle Real Madrid for Man United star
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(Credit: Imago) Sun 24 May 2026 20:00, UK Barcelona remain in pole position to sign Manchester United outcast Marcus Rashford this summer despite new interest in his services from incoming Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho.Rashford has earned a place in England’s World Cup squad thanks to the fine form he has shown on loan at Barcelona from Man United this season.The 28-year-old is keen to join Barca permanently this summer, but they have some reservations over exercising his £26million option-to-buy clause.Their unwillingness to sign Rashford for such a fee has raised doubts around a permanent move, but as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, the Spanish champions are still in a strong position to seal his services ahead of Real Madrid.Man United’s transfer plans will be boosted by the sale of the England star, with the funds generated likely to be reinvested back into Michael Carrick’s squad for next season. 🔄 Man United Transfer Update 🔄 Breaking news on deals in progress, signing scoops, departures, and contract news from the United boardroom. VISIT THE TRANSFER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Marcus Rashford still likely to join Barcelona permanently ahead of Real MadridSources have told Football Insider that new Madrid boss Mourinho wants to reunite with Rashford after the pair previously worked together at Old Trafford.It remains to be seen when his future is sorted as he heads to North America with England, but Barca are still leading the race as they plan to renegotiate a permanent deal for a lower fee with the Red Devils soon.Appearances31Minutes played1671′Goals8Assists7Shots76Chances created42Successful dribbles29Touches in opposition box133Rashford’s 2025-26 La Liga statsSpeaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “There’ll be further talks held between Barca and United to see if a deal can be thrashed out.
“If there’s an opportunity to send Rashford you wouldn’t rule out Mourinho doing something like that.“Obviously he worked with Rashford before during his time at United between 2016 and 2018. I just don’t know where he gets in that Real Madrid team, that would be the biggest question mark over that deal.“We know he’s probably not going to come back into the picture at Old Trafford.
They will happily let him move on and I still think Barca remain in pole position to get a deal done.”Mourinho could block Man United move for Fede ValverdeReal’s disappointing season was encapsulated in a single incident when Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni were involved in a highly-publicised training bust-up earlier this month.The futures of both players have been plunged into uncertainty following the incident, with United mooted to take advantage in a move for Valverde this summer.Despite their interest, sources have exclusively revealed to Football Insider that Mourinho wants Valverde to stay at the Santiago Bernabeu under his guidance for next season.The Red Devils have also been linked to Tchouameni in the past, but neither player is believed to be pushing for an exit, with the incident now behind them as a new era begins under the ex-United boss. Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Man United Insider Access Get the full story from Old Trafford and Carrington with our dedicated expert hubs: Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Old Trafford.