Financial protocols be damned, Spain’s big two are on manoeuvres again, with Barcelona linked with Marcus Rashford and reports that Real Madrid are prepared to pay above the asking price for Tottenham’s Archie Gray. Big Ange Postecoglou’s side may have underachieved this season but the teenager’s mature performances have caught the eye of the European champions. The Spanish outlet Fichajes says Madrid are prepared to offer €50m (£42m) for the 18-year-old talent.
Meanwhile their rivals Barça are evidently prepared to pull various of their many financial levers to move for Rashford, according to sources in Spain, who say Barça’s sporting director, Deco, has been in touch with the Manchester United forward’s representatives. West Ham have also been linked with Rashford – as have Milan, Borussia Dortmund, the world and their spouse, to be honest – but may find the wage costs prohibitive.
