Fabrizio Romano: Man Utd transfer progressing ‘very well’ as first major summer deal nears

Fabrizio Romano has declared that negotiations to take Marcus Rashford from Manchester United to Barcelona are progressing “very, very well”.

Rashford has spent the season on loan at Barca from the Red Devils, but despite the player’s fine performance, there has been some doubt over whether the Camp Nou side will be able to close out a €30 million move.

Romano has brushed those concerns aside and claims that the “first bomb of the summer” is close.

Romano on Marcus Rashford to Barcelona

“I’ve been telling you in recent weeks that Barcelona are making progress to keep Marcus Rashford at the club on a permanent transfer in the summer,” Romano told his YouTube channel.

“What I can tell you is that the agreement between Rashford, his camp, his brother and Barcelona in terms of contract, salary and personal terms is advancing very, very well.

“Marcus Rashford wants to stay at Barcelona and Barcelona want to continue with Rashford. The feeling is very good – technically but also in terms of attitude.”

While there were some doubts over Rashford’s attitude at Man Utd, these have not been shared at Barcelona.

Romano continued: “From what I’m told, Barcelona have been really happy with his behaviour. You remember last season at Manchester United there were some moments with issues in terms of behaviour. Amorim was not happy at some points.

“But at Barcelona, Rashford has been absolutely perfect. Very good relationship with teammates, very good relationship with Hansi Flick, always professional, always positive. Even when he’s been on the bench in big games, he didn’t create any problems.”

Man Utd insist on €30m fee

Man Utd, meanwhile, will not allow the attacker to depart for anything less than the release fee specified in the loan agreement.

“Asking Manchester United – today the answer is still the same: €30 million or nothing. They will not negotiate on the transfer fee. It’s still February, so it’s early, but Barcelona and Manchester United will be in contact,” Romano confirmed.

“In terms of agreement with the player, that’s not a small detail because Rashford is on a big salary at United. One thing is a loan, where the player forgives part of his salary. Another thing is a permanent transfer – final agreement on contract length, salary, details, and commissions.

“Barca have made very good progress. Now it’s financial. The €30m is there. Manchester United will not accept a reduction. Let’s see about timing.

“But this could be the first Barca bomb of the summer.”

Given Rashford has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €52.2m, Man Utd are right to stick by their initial valuation of Rashford as the Catalan side have already been given a hefty discount on the player.

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