Marcus Rashford finds himself in an uncertain position following Barcelona's agreement to pay £70 million for Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon.
The England forward enjoyed a productive temporary stint at the Nou Camp, netting 14 times and providing ten assists across 49 matches for Hansi Flick's La Liga champions.
Both Flick and sporting director Deco have spoken positively about the 28-year-old's contributions during his time in Catalonia.
However, Gordon's impending arrival has cast doubt over whether Rashford will remain with the Spanish giants beyond this season.
Marcus Rashford looks set to return to United this summer
|GETTY
Bayern Munich and Arsenal had also pursued Gordon, whilst Liverpool maintained a longstanding interest in the former Everton attacker.
The 25-year-old is expected to complete his medical within days before putting pen to paper on a five-year contract at the Camp Nou.
Gordon will then travel to America to link up with Thomas Tuchel's England squad ahead of the World Cup.
Newcastle had originally placed a valuation exceeding £80 million on the versatile winger, who netted 17 goals last season.
Barcelona ultimately negotiated the fee down to £70 million, despite initial concerns about whether the club could afford such a significant outlay.
United appear to have ruled out extending Rashford's loan arrangement, insisting on either a permanent departure or keeping the England international | GETTYThe former Everton man demonstrated his adaptability at St James' Park, operating effectively on either flank as well as in a central striking role.
Rashford has expressed his desire to continue at Barcelona, with his representatives already holding discussions with Deco regarding his future.
Yet the Catalan club now appears willing to retain the Manchester-born forward only if another temporary arrangement can be negotiated with Manchester United.
The £26 million purchase clause included in his original loan agreement looks increasingly unlikely to be activated, with Barcelona reportedly attempting to reduce that figure.
Complicating matters further, Rashford does not feature in Michael Carrick's plans at Old Trafford for the upcoming campaign.
Marcus Rashford wants to stay at Barcelona
| GETTYShould negotiations with Barcelona collapse, United will explore alternative options to offload the academy product amid interest from various domestic and overseas suitors.
Rashford reflected on his situation after helping Barcelona secure the league title, telling ESPN: "I am not a magician, but if I was, I would stay. We will see. I came here to win. I want to win as many things as I can."
He added: "This is a wonderful team, they're going to win so much in the future. To be a part of that would be special. I always had an admiration for Barcelona, they were my second team so it is a dream to come here and win."
Former United assistant Rene Meulensteen believes Carrick should consider bringing Rashford back to Old Trafford, telling BoyleSports: "There is a route back for Marcus Rashford because Michael Carrick knows him. I think there is a really important conversation to be had."