Following the removal of the final barrier preventing Marcus Rashford from securing a permanent transfer to Barcelona on Sunday, fresh information has surfaced regarding how the club plans to settle the transfer fee with Manchester United. The Catalan outfit have the option to make Rashford’s switch permanent for €30million (£26m) once his loan arrangement expires at the season’s close.

Joan Laporta has secured re-election as president for a further five-year period, ensuring continuity at the Nou Camp will be maintained. Sporting director Deco continues to enjoy Laporta’s support, and the president aims to retain Rashford at the club. Yet Barcelona’s persistent financial difficulties are widely acknowledged, and Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo reports that the club intends to settle the fee through three €10m instalments. A three-year contract on a fixed wage is also understood to have been agreed with Rashford already.

That said, the report indicates there is ‘no rush’ from the Catalan side to complete a deal, as they wish to evaluate how the England international performs between now and the campaign’s conclusion. It’s suggested that should he struggle to discover consistent form before the end of May, his ‘chances will decrease,’ with the Champions League fixture against Newcastle United described as another opportunity for him to demonstrate his quality,

Despite registering 10 goals and contributing 13 assists in 38 appearances, his most recent goal arrived on January 31 against Elche in La Liga. Since then, he has played against Mallorca, Villarreal and Athletic Bilbao in the league, Newcastle in the Champions League, and Albacete and Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey – all without scoring a goal.

Several Barca fans have already expressed their views on the potential acquisition of the winger. One stated: “You don’t want to spend €30m on Rashford. You want to sign a left-footed centre-back, a centre-forward and a full-back. How much would you invest in those three?”.

Another commented: “Rashford’s salary, even if reduced from what he earned in Manchester, will still be one of the highest. Plus, we have to invest €30m in the transfer, and so far he’s only shown inconsistency.”

A third noted: “He started very well, but his performance has dropped. If he returns to his early-season form, he’s a necessary option to rotate with Raphinha.”

Another fan suggested: “Seems expensive for what he can contribute,” whilst a fifth concluded: “He has the talent, but in my opinion he lacks a competitive mindset. In elite football, being good and fast isn’t enough.”