Barcelona target Marcus Rashford alternatives as Alejandro Garnacho linked with Chelsea exit - Paper Round

The Mirror believes that the 28-year-old’s inconsistent form might see him return to Manchester United.

The paper reports: ”Rashford, 28, is nearing the end of his loan at Barcelona, who are yet to trigger a clause which would see them sign him permanently for £26 million.

”Rashford has had [an] indifferent season at Barcelona, dropping out of the starting line-up after a good start to his loan. The forward has only been a regular starter whenever Barca vice-captain Raphinha has been injured, with Hansi Flick preferring to use Rashford as an impact substitute.

”What's more is that Barcelona are still under financial constraints and have to be frugal in the transfer market.

"The La Liga champions, who are favourites to win the title again this season, want to sign a new striker this summer which could have [an] effect on Rashford's future as they attempt to balance the books.”

Alejandro Garnacho’s time at Chelsea could already be coming to an end in the summer.

The Manchester Evening News relays reports that Boca Juniors are interested in taking him back to Argentina.

The paper writes: ”The 21-year-old has scored eight goals and provided four assists in 38 appearances so far this campaign and is yet to reach the standards that the Blues may demand from him.

”It has been reported that Chelsea could be prepared to approve a departure with Liam Rosenior unconvinced about Garnacho's role in the team. 

”The winger has six years left on his deal at Stamford Bridge but has already been linked with a switch to Boca Juniors.”

The emergence of midfield youngster Jim Thwaites at Manchester United has not altered their transfer plans.

The teenager is seen as one for the future and it is expected that two midfielders will arrive in the summer at Old Trafford.

The Sun explains: ”Thwaites, 18, has a different kind of momentum and is crucially playing in an area United are planning to overhaul in the summer.

”Kobbie Mainoo is close to scrawling his signature on a new contract but Casemiro is going and Manuel Ugarte could follow him out.

”Beyond those three, United’s next most senior midfielder is Toby Collyer, on loan at Hull City as they bid to end a nine-year exile from the Premier League.

”United want to recruit two midfielders in the summer but the probability of European football and possibility of deeper cup runs offers Thwaites hope of first-team exposure next season.”

West Ham have no option to make Axel Disasi’s loan move into a permanent switch, but The Athletic believes they have a good chance of signing him.

The 27-year-old is wanted by clubs on the continent, but he is believed to want to stay with his current club when he leaves Chelsea.

The website states: ”West Ham United supporters could be forgiven for resisting the urge to fall in love with a loan player, but it will come as a boost that Axel Disasi is already planning for life beyond May at the London Stadium.

”Sources with knowledge of the situation, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to protect relationships, say the 27-year-old centre-back is open to joining West Ham United on a permanent deal if the club avoids relegation from the Premier League. Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are out [of] the relegation zone and two points above 18th-place Tottenham Hotspur, with six league games remaining.

”On deadline day in January, Disasi joined on a straight loan from Chelsea. The Blues opted against including an option to buy with the expectation that Disasi’s value would increase, but West Ham plan on holding further talks at the end of the season. Other European suitors have closely monitored Disasi’s form, but the defender is enjoying his time in east London and finds the club a close-knit family.”

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