Barcelona could turn down Marcus Rashford deal, Liverpool handed Zeki Celik transfer boost - Paper Round

Barcelona could yet turn down the opportunity to sign Marcus Rashford from Manchester United on a permanent deal, with an alternative now being lined up. Elsewhere in Monday's Paper Round, Darwin Nunez could make a move to Newcastle and Tottenham Hotspur, while Liverpool may still be able to seal a summer deal for the highly-rated Roma and Turkey defender Zeki Celik.

Barcelona could turn down the opportunity to sign Marcus Rashford on a permanent deal from Manchester United, it has been claimed.

A report in the Mirror suggests the Spanish champions could instead turn to Lyon’s Malick Fofana.

Barcelona have the option to sign Rashford for a £26 million fee – but Fofana will be available for the same price this summer.

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The Mirror writes: "A new report from Spanish outlet Sport has thrown more doubt into the mix. They assert that another targeted winger could threaten Rashford's transfer, Lyon's Malick Fofana.

"The report suggests that Fofana is valued at the same price as Rashford, £26m. He is returning from a long-term injury and if he impresses, the outlet declares he could maybe scupper Rashford's move, despite the Englishman being first choice over the 20-year-old Belgian."

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Barca could re-sign Virgili

The Manchester Evening News carries quotes from Barcelona preliminary presidential candidate Xavier Vilajoana on the future of Marcus Rashford.

Vilajoana, a former Barcelona executive who was head of La Masia, the club's academy, brought up the possibility of re-signing Jan Virgili when discussing the possibility of signing Rashford permanently.

Virgili left Barcelona for Mallorca last summer but the club have a buy-back clause for the winger.

He is quoted as saying: "I am someone who believes you should always look in-house first, as I've always said, and then look outside depending on the characteristics of the players you have.

"That said, it's not just the president who arrives and makes the decision. The president arrives, puts things on the table, alternatives are considered, it's discussed and a decision is made.

"What I am clear on is that if [signing Rashford] is considered to be the best decision from a sporting point of view, the money will be there to make it happen."

Jan Virgili of RCD Mallorca looks on during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and RCD Mallorca at Spotify Camp Nou on February 07, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain.

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Liverpool handed Celik boost

The Mirror claims Liverpool have been given a boost in their bid to sign Roma's Turkey international Zeki Celik.

Celik is out of contract at the end of the season and has been linked with a move to Serie A rivals Juventus.

The right-back has made 22 appearances for Roma so far this season, registering two assists and scoring once.

The outlet states: "It appeared that the Italian side had stolen a march with reports suggesting that Celik had reached an agreement to join the Turin giants.

"That does not appear to be the case, however, with his agent, Fazil Ozdemir, disputing that fact. He said: 'The rumours that Zeki has reached an agreement with a club are not accurate.

"'He currently plays for a major club, and it is natural that major teams in Italy and England would show interest in a player competing at this level and that his name would be associated with those clubs.

"'His contract with Roma expires at the end of the season; however, he has great respect for the club. At this stage, he is not focusing on contractual or transfer matters. His full attention and commitment are focused on supporting Roma in achieving its objectives.

"'We believe that all other matters will be addressed and resolved in due course, in a professional and respectful manner.'"

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Nunez linked with Newcastle and Spurs

The Newcastle Chronicle report former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez could make a move to Newcastle and Tottenham Hotspur.

Nunez left Anfield to join Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal in a reported £56m deal last summer. He scored 40 goals in 143 appearances for The Reds.

"Newcastle and Tottenham have been linked with a move for former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez, with the striker said to be keen on a return to the Premier League," writes the outlet.

"Teamtalk report Newcastle and Spurs are monitoring the Uruguay international's situation, although his reported £400,000-a-week salary would be a major stumbling block over any move."

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