EXCLUSIVE: Man Utd hold talks over Rashford return and target €75m Spain star

Marcus Rashford’s future was on the agenda as Manchester United representatives flew to Spain to hold talks with Barcelona officials on Sunday, FootballTransfers can reveal.

The Catalan side slipped to a 2-1 loss to Real Sociedad, with United in attendance in San Sebastian to see Rashford score the Blaugrana’s consolation goal.

Discussions took place between Man Utd and Barca over the possibility of the 28-year-old returning to the Premier League side at the end of the season, though the exact nature of these talks is unclear.

Rashford is currently on loan at Barcelona, where he has impressed by scoring eight goals in 29 games, throwing in a further 11 assists to boot.

Although the Spanish league leaders have a buyout option worth €35 million in the deal and there seems to be a general desire for the England star to remain at Camp Nou, the club’s ongoing financial issues remain a potential barrier to the deal being completed.

Man Utd watch Oyarzabal

But Rashford’s future wasn’t the only factor taking Man Utd to watch Barcelona at the weekend; Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Oyarzabal is a player they are tracking.

The 28-year-old, who has a €75m release clause in his contract, has been on the Red Devils’ radar for some time.

While it’s unconfirmed that the trip to San Sebastian was directly linked with Oyarzabal’s future, FootballTransfers’ well-placed sources indicate that there is “serious interest” in the Spain star.

A versatile and clever attacking player, Oyarzabal could fit into several different roles at Old Trafford, from left wing to centre-forward and even as an attacking midfielder.

Aston Villa have also been mentioned in relation to a potential move for him, with Donyell Malen’s loan switch to Roma further opening up the possibility of a deal.

Any move for the Real Sociedad captain, who has over 400 appearances for the club, is likelier to be made in the summer, however.

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