Marcus Rashford is facing an uncertain summer after returning to Manchester United from a loan spell in La Liga.
While the striker has been linked with several big European clubs, a specific clause in the contract has now been revealed that could influence his future destination.
Barcelona have officially given up on the chance to sign Rashford permanently, not activating the €30m purchase option on the one-year loan deal before Monday's deadline.
The Catalan club has decided to focus its limited financial resources on other targets, leaving the striker in an uncertain situation regarding his future.
At this point, Rashford is expected to return to Manchester United next month, although his long-term future at Old Trafford remains unclear.
Although a new return from Barcelona has not been completely ruled out and interest from other European clubs continues, United are expected to take a firm stance: they will only accept permanent offers for the 28-year-old, not new loans.
A release clause of £40m in the current market is considered very low, and several Premier League clubs are interested in Rashford.
However, according to "The Athletic, Manchester United have added a "rivalry tax", specifically blocking Liverpool and Manchester City from activating this free clause.
If Rashford returns to Old Trafford, it is believed his preference would be to respect the remaining two years of his contract, rather than move to another English club.
This could open up an opportunity for his return to the team, especially as manager Michael Carrick is said to be willing to bring him back into the squad after his loan spell.
Such a scenario would, overall, reduce the likelihood of Manchester United strengthening that department this summer.
Carrick has maintained contact with the player and is willing to reintegrate him if a permanent transfer does not materialise during the current transfer window./Express newspaper/
t7 live
