Marcus Rashford to demand £500,000-per-week contract extension at Manchester United – Paper Round

Revealed: Rashford’s contract demands

Marcus Rashford is hoping to negotiate a contract worth £500,000 per week with Manchester United to extend his stay at Old Trafford. The 25-year-old has just one year remaining on his current deal, but is not planning to leave his boyhood club. Talks between the club and Rashford have been delayed due to the question marks over the future ownership of United.

“He is willing to sign a deal which would see him pledge his peak seasons and long-term future to his hometown club. But he also recognises it will be the biggest and most important contract of his career and he wants rewarding for the success he’s had this season.

“De Gea and Luke Shaw are also in line to be given new deals as well, while the financial implications of signing Harry Kane this summer could also impact on how much United are willing to offer Rashford.”

Man Utd identify Kane alternatives

Manchester United have identified two alternative strikers to target this summer if they are unable to sign their number one priority, Harry Kane, from Tottenham Hotspur. The Red Devils have added Eintracht Frankfurt’s Randal Kolo Muani and Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund to their shortlist and will weigh up their options if they are outpriced in their pursuit of Kane.

“Muani only joined Eintracht last year and his resale value is especially high as he is under contract until 2027.

“Hojlund, like Muani, is also tied to his club until 2027 and sources at United expect at least four eminent European clubs to be in the market for an eminent striker in the summer, with Chelsea, and Bayern Munich among them.”

Arsenal confident of winning Rice race

Arsenal believe they can beat Premier League transfer rivals Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City to the signing of Declan Rice this summer. The West Ham United captain is expected to leave east London at the end of the season to play for a club competing in the Champions League. The Gunners have identified central midfield as an area to strengthen and have made Rice their top target.

“Rice is viewed as the ideal addition as he suits Arsenal’s recruitment model. The West Ham captain is 24 and has his best years ahead of him. Like the rest of the Arsenal squad, Rice is ambitious, wanting to play in the Champions League and compete for trophies.

“There is an acceptance at West Ham that Rice will leave this summer. He is in the final two years of his contract and has no plans to sign an extension.”

Newcastle want Christensen

Barcelona could allow Andreas Christensen to leave this summer amid the expected arrival of Inigo Martinez on a free transfer from Athletic Club. The Catalan club are not keen on selling the Danish defender and depleting their squad depth, but could be forced to consider offers due to their precarious financial position. Newcastle United are reported to have serious interest in signing Christensen.

“Barca’s idea with Christensen is to keep him, and they may even look to renew his deal next season. But an offer bigger than his market rate could change the story.”

However, Christensen “has advised that he is very happy at the club and has no intention of leaving.”