Manchester United are reportedly keen to move Marcus Rashford on this summer as INEOS look to revamp the midfield and strengthen their options on the wings.

Offloading the Manchester-born forward’s £325,000-a-week salary would significantly ease the club’s wage burden, and any transfer fee would be recorded as pure profit since he graduated from the club’s academy.

This financial flexibility would enable the Red Devils to pursue potential signings such as Crysencio Summerville, Iliman Ndiaye, or Yan Diomande to bolster their left flank.

United had initially expected Barcelona to activate the English star’s £26 million buy option following his strong performances during his loan spell with the Spanish giants.

However, with Barcelona hesitating and now requesting an additional loan deal, INEOS have grown frustrated and are considering offers from elsewhere, believing they could secure a more lucrative deal with another club.

The management has no intention of reinforcing a direct Premier League competitor, while Bayern Munich are reportedly unable to meet Rashford’s wage demands.

Although there is interest from clubs in Turkiye and Saudi Arabia, Rashford remains intent on continuing his career with Barcelona.

According to The Mirror, the England international is expected to return to Manchester after the World Cup to hold decisive discussions with United’s executive team to clarify the club’s intentions for his future.

Michael Carrick has expressed openness to a dramatic Rashford return, but INEOS are said to be reluctant to approve such a move.

The 28-year-old has a £40 million release clause, yet few clubs are likely to activate it. United have already rejected approaches from Liverpool and Manchester City, the two Premier League clubs previously interested in signing him.

“Marcus Rashford will return to Manchester United for showdown talks with club bosses following the World Cup. Rashford has seen his hopes of a permanent move to Barcelona collapse – leaving his immediate future in limbo.

“It means Rashford is no nearer knowing what his next move will be. Rashford has little interest in remaining with United, having broken ties with his hometown club to make a fresh start elsewhere. And despite a change in manager, with Michael Carrick replacing Ruben Amorim last season, Rashford believes his long-term future will be best served at another club.

“But United have blocked him joining either Manchester City or Liverpool, who have shown interest in Rashford before, while Arsenal have cooled on the idea of signing him. Rashford would prefer to join another European club, with United slapping a £40m valuation on someone who Barca had the option of signing for just £24m.”

The standoff appears likely to continue unless both United and Rashford adjust their expectations and reach a compromise regarding his valuation and future.