Manchester United have blocked their two biggest rivals from being able to activate Marcus Rashford’s £40million release clause.
Liverpool and Manchester City are the only clubs that are reportedly unable to trigger the clause to sign the England forward.
Rashford is set to head back to Man United this summer after Barcelona opted against paying the fee to make his loan permanent.
The 28-year-old spent last season with Barca in Spain, helping them claim the La Liga title with some impressive performances.
But they weren’t keen on spending the money needed to keep him, leaving Rashford with no choice but to return to Manchester.
His future at Old Trafford remains in doubt though, with Barca still open to negotiating another potential deal.
And he does have a £40m release clause in his United contract, meaning clubs are able to swoop in at that price.
However, Rashford has two sides that won’t be able to sign him if they wanted to – Liverpool and Man City.
According to The Athletic, all other teams can trigger the clause except the Red Devils’ biggest Premier League rivals.
It is reported that some interest has come from other top-flight clubs, with Rashford sure to be an attractive signing.
In 49 games for Barcelona last season, he scored 14 goals and also provided 14 assists in an impressive return.
He provided nine goal contributions in 11 appearances in the Champions League, showing that he still has the ability to compete amongst Europe’s elite despite his rough United exit.
Could Rashford stay at Man United?
Amid the transfer interest for Rashford, he may end up staying at Man United and potentially making a comeback.
The Athletic claim that he would rather stay for the remaining two years of his United contract than join another English club.
And that would lead to now-permanent manager Michael Carrick cutting down on any more spending this summer.
United have already reached an agreement to sign Ederson for £38.8m, while they are linked to two West Ham stars.
Mateus Fernandes is another option for midfield, with the 21-year-old giving the green light that he wants to join.
Crysencio Summerville is the other Hammers player on United’s watchlist, but that move may be impacted by Rashford.
Extra funds would be provided should Rashford’s release clause be triggered and that would allow extra spending.
Although United are soon going to be boosted financially, as ex-boss Ruben Amorim is set to be named as AC Milan manager.
talkSPORT understands that their £15.9million compensation being paid to Amorim will be slashed when he is appointed.
But Rashford’s future is not expected to be decided for at least another month, as he plays for England at the World Cup.
His form with Barcelona secured him a spot in the Three Lions’ squad for the tournament in North America.
And he will hope to start in Thomas Tuchel‘s side’s first group game against Croatia on Wednesday night, live on talkSPORT.