Barcelona are reportedly keen to turn Marcus Rashford’s loan from Manchester United into a permanent deal. The England striker has made a strong impression in his early days with the Catalan giants, leaving them feeling like they’ve hit the jackpot. Rashford, 27, is believed to be available for a £30million transfer to Barca at the end of the season. The option to sign him permanently stands at £25m, plus an additional £5m in add-ons, with United also retaining a percentage of any future sell-on fee.

Barcelona have been taken aback by Rashford’s swift impact, having initially harboured some reservations about finalising the deal. Despite their own financial constraints being an initial obstacle, there was also a degree of scepticism over why the Red Devils were prepared to let him leave.

Barcelona officials were initially concerned that there might be an issue with the star striker, but Rashford’s representative, his brother Dwaine, reassured them that the United academy graduate would not cause any problems, according to The Mirror. The Spanish side now believe they have a bargain on their hands.

Rashford has netted three goals and provided five assists in his 10 appearances, despite not contributing to a goal in his first three games. The forward has more goals and assists than any of his team-mates so far this season.

And it seems Rashford is just as smitten with Barca as they are with him. The prolific scorer is solely focused on extending his stay, despite attracting interest from the likes of Paris Saint-Germain.

The former Aston Villa loanee has been crystal clear about his future ambitions.

“[I want to stay for] as many [seasons] as possible. We will see,” he told TNT Sports. “I have to focus on trying to do my job and trying to help the team in whichever way I can.”

Following a stellar performance against Newcastle in the Champions League, Barcelona boss Hansi Flick couldn’t contain his delight.

“I am not surprised [by his goals],” Flick said. “I think he’s a fantastic player. His skills are unbelievable and his finishing is unbelievable. I think also in the first half, he tried to create chances, but the finishing wasn’t there. In the second half it was.

“For a striker, it’s always good to score. I am really happy. He is an important player. When we spoke before the season about what we needed in the team, we felt we needed a player like him. When we had this chance [to sign him], I said we have to do it. He’s an outstanding player.”

Rashford is currently with Thomas Tuchel’s England squad, having appeared as a substitute against Wales.

The forward will be hoping for more minutes against Latvia as he looks to maintain his blistering early-season form.