Marcus Rashford sensational transfer claim made as Chelsea and Tottenham ‘meetings’ held

Marcus Rashford could return to Premier League with Chelsea or Tottenham Hotspur among interested parties if Barcelona do not activate the buy-option in his loan deal

Chelsea and Tottenham have been linked with a sensational transfer for Manchester United's Marcus Rashford if he does not join Barcelona permanently. The 28-year-old left Old Trafford for Catalonia this past summer for another temporary switch after a successful loan stint at Aston Villa.

During his four-month spell at Villa Park, Rashford made 17 appearances and had a direct hand in 10 goals. He reached this tally after just 12 games with Barcelona, adding another two goals and three assists since then.

Hansi Flick's team currently hold second place in La Liga and tenth in the Champions League, an impressive feat considering the attacking injuries they've had to contend with. Raphinha, Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowksi have all been sidelined at various points this season.

Lewandowski returned to the starting line-up last weekend after a month out, with Rashford setting up two of his three goals in the 4-2 victory over Celta Vigo.

However, despite their successful partnership, both players' futures at Barcelona are uncertain. Spanish publication El Nacional has reported that the club may not be willing to pay nearly £30million to make Rashford's move permanent, particularly as they're also looking for a successor to Lewandowski.

Potential signings such as Julian Alvarez and Harry Kane would consume most of Barcelona's transfer budget. Additionally, there are concerns about Rashford's goal-scoring ability and how he would fit into the team once all of Barcelona's star forwards are back to full fitness.

According to El Nacional, Rashford is considering other options, with his agent Dwayne Maynard reportedly holding discussions.

The report suggests that Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have already made initial contact in an attempt to persuade the forward to join their ranks.

The latter are in desperate need of a new left winger having sold Son Heung-min in the summer and failed to replace him. Wilson Odobert has impressed in recent weeks but Thomas Frank needs a more senior option in that role.

Interest from Stamford Bridge comes as a slight surprise with Chelsea having just signed a United winger in Garnacho this past summer.

Rashford's preference is to stay at Barcelona, while a return to Manchester United, under the management of Ruben Amorim, is entirely out of the question.

Given his recent performances, it's likely that United would prefer Barcelona not to exercise their buy-option, allowing them to command a higher fee for his permanent departure.

His asking price could potentially increase if Premier League rivals, such as Spurs and Chelsea, express a firm interest. With the World Cup scheduled for next summer, it's unlikely that Rashford's future will be settled until late July, after the tournament concludes.

Barring any injuries, Rashford is widely expected to be included in Thomas Tuchel's squad, having featured in the last four camps following a return to goal-scoring form with Villa and Barcelona.