Barcelona could now change their Marcus Rashford transfer plans after scoring twice against Newcastle

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TBR Football understands that Barcelona fully intend to finalise the permanent signing of Marcus Rashford and they would consider an early deal.

Barca sealed a deal for Rashford in the summer, ending a long chase for a player whom president Joan Laporta had harboured ambitions to sign for a number of years.

The Catalan giants took their chance to land Rashford on a loan deal with an option to buy. As Manchester United were left with little choice but to allow him to leave as the player only wanted one move and that was to Barca.

Rashford has become an important part of Hansi Flick’s squad and he opened his account with a brilliant brace in their 2-1 Champions League win at Newcastle on Thursday.

As it stands, Barca’s current deal means they have an option to make his move permanent at the end of the season for €30million (£26million).

However, sources have informed TBR Football that Barcelona would be open to a January deal – but only at a reduced rate.

Exclusive: Barcelona could sign Marcus Rashford in January

TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey has exclusively revealed that Barcelona will explore offloading players in January to fund the early permanent signing of Rashford.

Bailey explains: “Barcelona fully intend on bringing Marcus Rashford to the club permanently, and as it stands, that will be happening at the end of the season.

“But there is a chance it could happen early, if United are looking for cash in January, if Barca move a player or two on…it is one to keep an eye on.

“Barca are very happy with how he has settled into life at the club. He is working hard and is showing Deco and Hansi Flick they were right to approve the deal.

“Rashford, for his part, knows that he is going to become a Barcelona player on a permanent basis, but he knows the club have put themselves out and he has and is working hard to show just how good he is.”

Sources have informed TBR Football that Barca, who would also need outgoings to do it in January, would look at getting a deal of around £20m – but it remains to be seen if United would be open to it, although given they want to make extra moves in the New Year, it can’t be discounted.

Rashford has impressed his Barcelona teammates in training, and his brace against Newcastle was a culmination of the work ethic the forward has shown since arriving in Spain.

The 27-year-old rediscovered his best form while on loan at Aston Villa last season and has immediately integrated himself into the set-up at Camp Nou, featuring in all of Barca’s matches across all competitions so far.

However, Ruben Amorim is under increasing pressure at Old Trafford following an underwhelming start to his Premier League campaign and the humiliating Carabao Cup exit at the hands of Grimsby Town.

Man United are reportedly already looking ahead to the winter transfer window, amid an estimated £218m outlay this summer, meaning the club will need to sanction further sales if the plan is to bolster the squad in January.

Manchester United have received a transfer blow

According to reports emerging from Germany, the Red Devils are looking to acquire Bayern Munich centre-back Dayot Upamecano.

The Frenchman tops the shortlist of potential options and would be available to negotiate a pre-contract agreement in January, as he will be in the final months of his contract at the Allianz Arena.

However, Upamecano has dismissed suggestions of leaving Bayern and reiterated his desire to continue in Germany beyond the current campaign.

Upamecano will not be the only target United look to acquire in the upcoming windows as the club have been touted to reignite their interest in Carlos Baleba, but any business conducted will be determined on player sales and whether a deal for Rashford can be agreed that is suitable for all parties.