Marcus Rashford to Barcelona deal 'put on hold', Manchester City ahead in Elliot Anderson race - Paper Round

Wednesday's Paper Round leads on the future of Marcus Rashford, with reports suggesting Barcelona are having second thoughts about buying the Manchester United star permanently. Elsewhere, Manchester City are in pole position to land Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, and Eddie Howe will decide his own fate at Newcastle United this summer.

Marcus Rashford's permanent transfer from Manchester United to Barcelona has been ”put on hold”, claims The Mirror.

The 28-year-old has impressed during his season on loan with the Catalans, but his long-term future remains up in the air.

It has been reported that Rashford can sign permanently with Barcelona for a fee of £26 million, and is said to be keen to do so.

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The Mirror writes: ”The La Liga outfit had pinpointed Rashford's experience as a valuable asset to the young talents they are targeting, but Barca may opt to retain Robert Lewandowski in that seasoned role.

”The Poland star was anticipated to leave, but Spain's champions have now opened the door for him to stay, offering a new contract, albeit on reduced terms.

"The financial implications of a move for Rashford on Barca's other transfer dealings could yet prove too much for the club's hierarchy as they explore other options.

”Despite Hansi Flick's desire to keep Rashford at Camp Nou, Barcelona have decided to hit pause on a deal where the player's wage demands have proven challenging, according to Sport.

"The loanee is willing to cut his salary by nearly half, by spreading payments over a long-term contract, but that could still strain the club's wage bill."

‘Special strike’ – Rashford ROCKET stuns St James' Park into silence

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Man City in driving seat in Anderson race

Manchester City are in the driving seat in the battle to land Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, claims The Mail.

City and Manchester United have been linked with the England international, but writing in a Man United Confidential Q&A special, Nathan Salt believes the former are in pole position currently.

"Anderson, as previously reported, has been United’s No 1 target for several months now," the article reads.

"Anderson is seen at United as the player that would raise the quality of the midfield the most due to his wide-ranging skillset as a hybrid No 6/No 8.

"The issue those in agent circles speak of around Anderson is that Manchester City also have the Nottingham Forest midfielder as priority No 1, and they are understood to be ahead in the race right now.

Anderson buries beauty to equalise AGAIN for Forest against Man City

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"While we are not at a ‘done deal’ stage yet - United wouldn’t be pursuing meetings and still pushing for him if that were the case - the word right now is that City are looking to accelerate their move prior to the World Cup, with both Manchester clubs wary that Anderson's £100m price tag could rise even further if he impresses in North America.

"With meetings ongoing and more expected to come out across the next 10 to 14 days on situations around big-name players, United need to make a big play to try and blow City - who are increasingly confident they will be able to start a midfield rebuild with Anderson as the centrepiece - out of the water."

Howe to decide own future

The Telegraph reports that Eddie Howe will decide his own future at the end of the season - "as he needs to know whether supporters still want him at the club".

The report comes after Newcastle's chief executive David Hopkinson refused to be drawn on whether Howe would be at the club next season.

"The Newcastle hierarchy wants to secure European qualification in the league again this season but Howe is not thought to be under internal pressure despite a difficult campaign," states the outlet.

"Rather, Hopkinson’s comments are understood to stem from the fact that Howe wants to assess the situation in the summer, given the growing animosity towards him.

"The 48-year-old has always maintained he will not stay at St James’ Park if fans no longer want him to lead the team."

Highlights: Raphinha, Yamal dazzle as Barca blow Newcastle away

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