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Hansi Flick wants to extend Marcus Rashford’s Barcelona stay as Michael Carrick plots Manchester United return for forward - Paper Round
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Updated 01/02/2026 at 09:51 GMT
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Barcelona manager Hansi Flick wants to keep Marcus Rashford beyond this season, while Michael Carrick wants him back at Old Trafford, and Manchester United are linked with Mateus Fernandes. Elsewhere, Everton could sign Tyrique George after Jack Grealish’s injury, and Chelsea striker David Datro Fofana is wanted by Real Mallorca and Auxerre this winter.
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Carrick wants to keep Rashford
Michael Carrick hopes to bring Marcus Rashford back to Manchester United
However, the Telegraph believes that Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is keen to extend the forward’s stay in Spain after he scored his 10th goal in Saturday night's win against Elche.
The paper reports: "Telegraph Sport can reveal that if Michael Carrick is retained as United’s head coach beyond this season, then he would like his former team-mate back (they played alongside each other under Louis Van Gaal, who gave Rashford his debut in 2016).
"Meanwhile Rashford, who is still contracted to United until June 2028, is happy at Barcelona. All the indications are that feeling is reciprocated and there is the option to trigger a £26m deal at the end of this campaign, which Hansi Flick, the head coach, is keen to activate.
"It is a remarkably low figure for a player of Rashford’s ability, although his £325,000-a-week wages, amid Barcelona’s ongoing financial pressures, must also be factored in. They did not pay a loan fee but are covering Rashford’s salary, although there is some debate as to whether he actually took a cut to make the move happen. Even so, he is not near being one of Barcelona’s highest earners."
United linked with cut-price Fernandes
West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes could be available for £20 million this summer and the Daily Express believes Manchester United may be a suitor.
If West Ham are relegated at the end of the season, then the player has a release clause which kicks in and could tempt United.
The paper explains: "Mateus Fernandes has been quietly excellent for West Ham this season in spite of their struggles near the bottom of the table. He has played in every single league game for the Hammers since joining them from Southampton in the summer.
"An all-around midfielder, the 21-year-old has been one of the few bright sparks at the London Stadium in recent months and reportedly has a relegation release clause of around £20 million.
"This would allow United to secure his signature for a bargain fee, which could repay itself many times over if he continues to develop well at Old Trafford.
"Fernandes showed his quality in West Ham's recent victory over Sunderland, producing a man-of-the-match display to inspire his team to victory."
Everton keen on George
Everton are looking to sign Tyrique George from Chelsea after their on-loan winger Jack Grealish suffered a fractured foot.
They hope to sign 19-year-old winger George on loan, with a proposal that could include an option to buy being sent to Chelsea.
The Evening Standard writes: "Everton are interested in signing Tyrique George and have sent Chelsea an offer to sign him on loan.
"Standard Sport reported before the winter transfer window opened that Chelsea were willing to sell or loan the winger out this month.
"Everton are one of the clubs who have been following George’s situation this month, and they have now made their move following a major setback suffered with Manchester City loanee Jack Grealish ruled out for the season with a stress fracture in his foot which could require surgery.
"The offer of a loan move for George for six months is believed to have included an option to buy him in the summer."
Chelsea striker in demand
Chelsea’s David Datro Fofana is a target this winter for both Auxerre and Real Mallorca, according to the Daily Mail.
The Blues are also considering a loan deal to bring Mamadou Sarr back from his spell at Strasbourg, then loaning their sister club Aaron Anselmino.
The paper states: "Chelsea striker David Datro Fofana is wanted by Auxerre and Real Mallorca.
"Both clubs have been asking for loans with options to buy.
"Fofana was recalled from his loan at Turkish side Fatih Karagumruk where he scored six goals in 13 games as Chelsea were looking to sell and free up an international loan space.
"Chelsea remain in discussions over bringing Mamadou Sarr back from Strasbourg with the possibility Aaron Anselmino goes the other way."
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