Rashford 'stalling on new Man Utd deal as Barcelona target swap with Malcolm'

Striker's camp are aware of their strong bargaining position thanks to the number of clubs interested in the Red Devils ace's services

Posted Saturday, April 20, 2019 by Thesun.co.uk

MANCHESTER UNITED star Marcus Rashford is stalling over a new deal with the club amid interest from Barcelona, according to reports.

The La Liga giants are planning a £100m swoop for the Red Devils ace, 21, hoping they could come to an agreement with Old Trafford chiefs by offering Malcom in a swap deal.

Rashford's contract with United expires next summer but the club have an option to extend it for a further 12 months.

But negotiations over a new deal have dragged on for months, putting his future at Old Trafford in doubt.

The England international was linked with a move to Barcelona ahead of Tuesday's Champions League clash between the two sides.

The La Liga giants are reportedly eyeing up a £100m for the United academy's product, although they know it will be difficult to lure him away from Manchester.

But Mundo Deportivo report that Barca want to include Malcom, 22, in a potential swap deal for the striker, hoping it could test the Old Trafford chiefs' resolve.

The Brazilian winger has failed to live up to the hype following his move from Bordeaux last summer and is believed not to be in Ernesto Valverde's plans.

However, the Mail say that a new round of contract talks between Rashford and United have just begun, with initial reaction described as positive.

But the Red Devils star reportedly expects a salary of £200,000-a-week and reassurances over his position at the club in order to consider committing his future at Old Trafford.

Rashford's camp are aware of the interest the striker has attracted thanks to his sublime form this season.

And they realise it gives them a strong bargaining position.

Rashford has scored 13 goals and added nine assists in the current campaign, thriving under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

He was also arguably United's best player over two legs of the Barcelona tie.

The Red Devils star nearly overturned their first-leg deficit at Nou Camp in the opening minutes of the game, but unluckily hit the bar instead.