Barcelona eager to make Rashford's deal permanent

BARCELONA are “ecstatic” with Marcus Rashford — and want to take up the option of turning his loan from Manchester United into a permanent move.

The Catalan giants have been impressed with the England forward’s work ethic and talent since he moved to Spain from Old Trafford.

The 27-year-old, who is with the Three Lions preparing for the World Cup qualifier in Latvia tomorrow night, has bagged three goals and five assists in ten appearances for Barca so far this season.

And his form has delighted his bosses — who initially feared there must be something WRONG with Rashford for United to be willing to let such a player go.

A source said: “Barcelona had an issue with signing Marcus initially, which was the club’s financial situation.

“But they also thought United were playing a game because they were willing to let him go.

“They thought it was too good to be true — there must be something wrong with him.

"His brother Dwaine persuaded them there was nothing wrong — and that he wasn’t going to mess them about.

“Barca are now really shocked that they could sign him for what they see as a bargain.”

SunSport understands Barcelona would have to pay £25 million to sign the England international — plus £5m in add-ons — while United would also command a share of any sell-on fee.