The 28-year-old joined Barça on a season-long loan in August and has already made a remarkable impression under Hansi Flick, scoring five goals and providing seven assists across all competitions.

Club sources say Rashford has adapted “faster than expected” to Flick’s pressing system and quickly earned the trust of senior dressing-room figures, including Captain Frenkie de Jong.

“He brings something different pace, maturity, and leadership,” said one member of Flick’s coaching staff. “He’s been a model professional from day one.”

Barcelona’s hierarchy, led by sporting director Deco, have reportedly identified Rashford as a long-term replacement for veteran striker Robert Lewandowski, whose future remains uncertain beyond next summer.

Talks are believed to centre on extending Rashford’s contract to 2030, though the club’s tight salary cap could force creative solutions including a potential pay reduction or performance-based clauses.

“It’s a financial puzzle,” a club insider told Mirror Football. “But the feeling is clear everyone wants him to stay.”

Rashford’s resurgence abroad presents a delicate dilemma for Manchester United boss Rúben Amorim, who must decide whether to recall the forward or cash in next summer.

The England international struggled for form during his final months at Old Trafford, but sources close to the player insist he feels “renewed” in Spain and is open to staying if the clubs can agree terms.

Hansi Flick has been credited for restoring Rashford’s confidence, frequently praising his intelligence and pressing work-rate.

“Marcus gives us flexibility,” said Flick. “He’s a wide forward who can also play through the middle and he loves his football again.”

The pair are said to share a strong working relationship, with Flick privately urging the board to make Rashford’s stay permanent before other clubs enter the race.

Former United legend Wayne Rooney recently admitted he’s “sad but proud” to see Rashford thriving away from Manchester.

“He’s proving a point,” Rooney told BBC Sport. “You always want your academy lads to succeed at United, but maybe this move came at the perfect time for him.”

Despite enthusiasm around Rashford’s performances, Barcelona’s well-documented financial struggles mean any deal will require “engineering” including possible player sales or deferred payments to United.

Reports in Spain claim Deco is exploring sponsorship-linked salary offsets to ease the burden.

For now, Rashford remains focused on his football. Asked about his future after Barcelona’s 3-1 win over Real Sociedad, he said only that he is just enjoying my football again. The rest will take care of itself.

With form like this, it’s no surprise Barcelona are already plotting how to keep him. Whether United agree to let him go could define both clubs’ summers.