Everton chase Rashford as January move looms after £26m Barcelona fee

Everton have entered talks with Man Utd over a possible January move for Marcus Rashford, the England international winger, a deal that follows Barcelona’s decision not to make his loan permanent for £26million after his successful spell in Spain last season.

Barcelona loan ends with £26m decision

Rashford returned to Manchester United in the summer of 2026 after a loan spell at Barcelona, where he helped the Catalan club win LaLiga last season. Despite his contribution, Barcelona declined to sign him permanently, citing a £26million valuation.

United role and contract situation

Since rejoining, Rashford has made eight appearances for the Red Devils but has yet to register a goal or an assist. Manager Michael Carrick has described the winger as an important part of his squad despite the lack of direct contributions. Rashford remains under contract with Manchester United until the summer of 2028.

Everton negotiations and market timing

Davies Moyes’s Everton are in discussions with United about a potential January transfer, according to football‑transfers journalist Steve Kay, who posted on X at 17:15 on 24 October. Kay wrote that the Toffees could secure Rashford on either a loan or a permanent deal, though no final terms have been agreed.

Kay added that the talks are at an early stage, noting that it is “not even November yet” and there is “no guarantee of success”. He suggested Everton might prefer a loan with an option to buy, keeping the move flexible.

Earlier in the week, Manchester United reporter Phil Brown claimed that Manchester City had shown interest in Rashford when Omar Berrada was chief football operations officer at the Etihad. Brown said Rashford received a new contract “for one reason only” and that the Glazers, later INEOS, viewed him as a valuable asset in any potential sale.

Brown later dismissed rumours of an injury or a family bereavement, calling them “total nonsense” and accusing unnamed sources of unethical reporting. He insisted the winger had not been singled out internally and that the claims were unfounded.

The early winter interest highlights how clubs are already planning January activity, with negotiations beginning before the window officially opens. Such proactive approaches reflect the increasingly competitive nature of the transfer market as teams seek to secure targets ahead of rivals.