Manchester United star's agent pictured arriving for transfer talks over huge summer exit

The agent of Marcus Rashford has reportedly met with Barcelona sporting director Deco in an effort to secure a summer move from Manchester United.

Rashford joined Barcelona on a season-long loan last summer, which includes the option to make his move permanent for €30 million (£26m) at the end of the season. The 28-year-old has impressed during his loan spell with 10 goals and 13 assists for the Catalan club across all competitions.

It is understood that all parties are interested in making the move permanent this summer, though Barcelona are reluctant to pay the agreed fee to sign him. United believe the fee already represents excellent value for money, and there is even some regret that they might have set the price too low for a player of his quality. Barcelona will try to renegotiate a lower price for Rashford, while United are adamant they will hold firm on the agreement that is already in place.

Rashford agent meets Barcelona for talks

The future of Marcus Rashford remains a hot topic in the Spanish press, with constant speculation over his long-term Barcelona plans.

Rashford was the main story in Sport on Tuesday morning, after they claimed his agent, Arturo Canales, met with Barca sporting director Deco on Monday. The report also claims that fellow agent Kostas Theoharides, who played a key role in Rashford's move to Barcelona, accompanied Canales for the meeting.

It is claimed that Barcelona want to try to lower the asking price for Rashford, and Deco intended to make that clear during their latest meeting. The Catalan club are one of the few sides that would be able to pay both a transfer fee for the United forward and cover his wages in full.

Earlier in the week, Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick was asked if it was a shame Rashford ever felt the need to leave Old Trafford. "It's difficult to say, because circumstances at certain times that I have not involved in, it's difficult for me to comment really," he told reporters. "I think the fact he's come through the academy and had such a big impact here is a positive, and as a club, he's had some really big moments and good moments, and I've shared some with him in the past. So, football throws up certain things. Obviously certain players, you can't stay here forever, and things happen; that's how it is."

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