Barcelona will complete the €30 million (£26.3m) signing of Marcus Rashford from Manchester United at the earliest opportunity, according to reports in Spain.

Rashford was allowed to join Barcelona on loan last summer after he was frozen out of United’s first-team squad by Ruben Amorim.

The 28-year-old has impressed at Barca this season with 10 goals and 13 assists in 34 appearances so far.

Last month, reports had claimed that Barca were weighing up whether to negotiate the €30m (£26.3m) option to buy fee with United.

Michael Carrick, who replaced Amorim as United’s manager until the end of the season, is also understood to be keen on offering Rashford a way back at Old Trafford if he is kept on beyond the current campaign.

However, Mundo Deportivo report that Barcelona have now agreed with United to pay the €30m (£26.3m) option in €10m (£8.7m) instalments.

The report adds that Barca have also agreed personal terms with Rashford to remain at the club beyond this season.

After securing a deal to sign Rashford from United on loan, Barca’s sporting director, Deco, told The Times: ‘Marcus is a fantastic player. He faced the responsibility of becoming an important player at Man United — United, like us, are one of the biggest clubs in the world — too young. He suffered a bit with this change of generation at United too.

‘If you see United in the last five years, they had difficulties rebuilding the team, to become stronger again. He was there. So it’s not easy for a player [from whom] people demand a lot. When you are an important player, you have a lot of responsibility.

‘We were looking for a player like him on the market. A player that could play in the three positions up front. We were able to sign Marcus on loan now because of his desire to play for Barcelona. He waited a lot. He knew that we were dealing with financial rules. But he was patient. He waited and we’re happy to have him.’

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Both Marcus Rashford and Harry Kane have been linked with summer moves to Barcelona – here’s how they could line-up next season

Barcelona could have a distinctly English feel next season, with both Marcus Rashford and Harry Kane being linked with transfer to the Camp Nou.

Rashford, currently on loan at the Spanish side from Manchester United, is pushing for a permanent deal, while Kane’s future remains uncertain, with his Bayern Munich contract due to expire in just over a year.

The idea of both England internationals playing in Catalonia is plausible, leaving Barcelona coach Hansi Flick with some major decisions regarding squad planning this summer.

Rashford has expressed his desire to remain at Barcelona beyond the current season – and he increasingly looks likely to. Reports suggest the La Liga club are prepared to trigger the £26million buyout clause in Rashford’s contract, a sum that United have refused to lower.

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Over recent months, the two sides have discussed terms to make a permanent transfer feasible, following Rashford’s impressive performances in Spain. The 28-year-old has scored 10 goals and provided 13 assists in 34 matches this season, leaving Barcelona highly satisfied with his contributions.

In a recent interview with SPORT, Rashford said: “Of course, what I want is to stay at Barca. It’s an end goal, but it’s not the reason why I’m training hard and giving it my best.”

Kane’s long-term situation, meanwhile, is becoming more uncertain. By season’s end, he will have just 12 months left on his Bayern contract – a similar scenario that forced Tottenham to sell the striker in 2023 to prevent losing him for free a year later.

Barcelona have emerged as a likely option for the England captain, especially as star forward Robert Lewandowski nears his 38th birthday and the end of his Camp Nou contract, which ends this season. The Poland international is still scoring goals, but Barcelona are facing a ‘stick or twist’ decision regarding his future.

Should they allow Lewandowski’s contract to run out, they would need a proven, ready-to-go replacement – and Kane fits that profile perfectly, having consistently found the net in both England and Germany.

However, if a summer deal for Kane cannot be completed, the club could contemplate offering Lewandowski a last-minute contract extension. Kane recently downplayed speculation over a move, saying he is “very happy” in Bavaria.

“I haven’t heard anything about it,” Kane said when asked about links to Barca. “My father and brother handle everything, but they haven’t said anything to me. As I’ve already said, I’m very happy here at Bayern. I’m focused on this season and my time at Bayern. I take it as a compliment.”

Kane has been in remarkable form this term, scoring 43 goals in 36 appearances. Negotiations for a contract renewal are reportedly ongoing, but if Bayern stumble, Barcelona could act to bring the 32-year-old to Spain.

A transfer to the Camp Nou would make Kane only the third English player to represent the Blaugrana in the last 100 years. Rashford became the second earlier this season, following Gary Lineker, who netted 52 goals in 138 games between 1986 and 1989.

Beyond Kane, Barcelona have been linked with Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez. The former Manchester City player, who scored 29 goals across all competitions last season, is said to be open to a move. Yet prying him away from Atleti will be expensive, with reports suggesting a bid of over £80m might be necessary to secure his transfer.

They’re also in the market for defensive reinforcements, with Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni high on their wish list. The centre back, who has been linked with several Premier League clubs, is expected to command a hefty fee, with sources suggesting Inter would demand upwards of £70m.

A move for Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck, however, might be more realistic – particularly if Barcelona are shelling out £80m+ for Alvarez. The German defender could be available for as little as £20–30m, with his contract set to expire at the end of next season.

Elsewhere, Barcelona are exploring another contract situation. Bernardo Silva’s deal with Manchester City expires this summer and the Catalan club have long admired the Portugal international. With all that in mind, here’s how Barcelona could line-up next season:

Joan Garcia (GK), Jules Kounde (RB), Pau Cubarsi (CB), Nico Schlotterbeck (CB), Alejandro Balde (LB), Pedri (CM), Frenkie de Jong (CM), Bernardo Silva (CM), Marcus Rashford (LW), Julian Alvarez (CF), Lamine Yamal (LW)

Marcus Rashford made his debut for Manchester United 10 years ago and it was clear to see just how important the player would become for his boyhood club

Michael Carrick’s praise of Marcus Rashford’s debut for Manchester United showcases just how impressed he was by the academy star.

The current interim manager was still in the first team when Rashford burst onto the scene as a teenager. The then-18-year-old made his first appearance under Louis van Gaal after striker Anthony Martial got injured in the warm-up before facing FC Midtjylland in the Europa League.

Rashford netted two goals to send the team into the last-16 and cement his position as one of United’s newest talents. After he scored two and assisted the third in a 3-2 win over Arsenal in the Premier League just three days later, people really began to take notice.

It was here that Carrick gave the young Rashford some solid but firm advice. He said: “Watch yourself now. Enjoy it but you’re going to get a lot of media attention; everyone’s going to know you.

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“You’ve gone from no one knowing who you are to a potential superstar.”

These words spoke volumes as Rashford would go on to become one of the first names on the teamsheet and a modern club hero. The attacker has made 426 appearances for the club, scoring 138 goals and assisting 79 times.

However, following a public row with former boss Ruben Amorim and a drastic dip in form, Rashford was shipped out on loan to Aston Villa before joining Barcelona this season in a temporary switch.

His deal at the Spanish club includes a £26million option to buy which they are reportedly considering exercising in the summer. The 27-year-old has impressed thus far at Barca, with 23 goal contributions in 34 appearances.

Carrick’s words could signal an open door for Rashford at United as the caretaker boss clearly thinks highly of the forward. Despite all signs pointing towards a permanent exit, former teammate Juan Mata believes his boyhood love for the club could supersede all the issues Rashford has faced.

He said: “It’s not easy to handle with all the expectations and the pressure at the club like Man United but I think people will realise that he was a kid and he was a man who gave everything for the club he supported since he was a kid.

“You can see photos of him when he was almost a baby with a Man United shirt on. So it meant a lot for him to play for Man United. You could see that. I think he gave great moments and great memories for many fans. Of course, there were also some challenging times but I think they made him more mature and a stronger man.

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“Nobody has an easy career. It doesn’t matter how successful you have been. There are always challenges and he had that at the club. But he’s now in a new chapter.

“He went to Barcelona, which is one of the best teams in the world and he’s performing there. He’s showing his level. I’m very happy for him that he’s able to try and prove his level in different countries.”

Barcelona have held further talks with Marcus Rashford’s representatives over a permanent transfer from Manchester United.

Rashford joined the Catalan giants on a season-long loan last summer, rediscovering the form that had deserted him back in Manchester in recent seasons.

Having also forced his way back into the England team, the 28-year-old has a respectable return of 10 goals and 13 assists under Hansi Flick this term, adapting well to life at the Camp Nou.

His loan deal includes the option to make the move permanent for €30million (£26m). While Michael Carrick is thought to be keen to bring Rashford back to Old Trafford if he is handed the permanent job at the end of the season, the forward has no desire to return to his parent club.

Barcelona are also keen to keep him at the club, but there has been no final decision over the arrangement.

According to Marca, talks took place on Tuesday between sporting director Deco and Rashford’s agents. While the forward’s future wasn’t the only topic discussed, both parties reiterated their desire to extend his stay.

On their side, Barcelona will attempt to negotiate a fee lower than the €30m agreed but are aware United will stand firm on that price.

Rashford meanwhile is happy to stay on but the report does note he would like to play a more prominent role in the starting XI.

He has started 14 of Barcelona’s 25 La Liga outings this term with four starts from eight in the Champions League this season. The vast majority of those have come in his favoured role on the left with Raphinha picking up injuries this season.

While positive, the meeting did not resolve any long-term plans with a final meeting to decide Rashford’s future to take place in the coming months.  

Rashford’s future in Barcelona could be further complicated by presidential elections.

Xavier Vilajoana is one of four candidates vying for the role occupied by Joan Laporta with the election at the Camp Nou to take place on 15 March.

He has already boldly vowed to sign Harry Kane from Bayern Munich but also suggested last week plans for Rashford could be reevaluated.

The presidential hopeful has instead suggested the club look ‘in-house’ to bolster their attacking options, naming the club’s former youth player Jan Virgili, now of Mallorca, as one alternative option.

‘I am someone who believes you should always look in-house first, as I’ve always said, and then look outside depending on the characteristics of the players you have,” Vilajoana told ESPN of the possibility of paying Rashford’s clause.

‘For example, I want to give the example of Jan Virgili, who is currently playing for Mallorca. He’s a great winger.

‘I would maybe look at [exercising the clause to re-sign him] as an option, for example, rather than paying the Rashford clause.

‘That said, it’s not just the president who arrives and makes the decision. The president arrives, puts things on the table, alternatives are considered, it’s discussed and a decision is made.

‘What I am clear on is that if [signing Rashford] is considered to be the best decision from a sporting point of view, the money will be there to make it happen.’

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The summer transfer window will see Barcelona make a decision on whether to sign Marcus Rashford permanently, following his loan from Manchester United

Barcelona beat Levante 3-0 on Sunday, but Marcus Rashford didn’t get a kick. The on-loan Manchester United star missed the previous games against Atletico Madrid and Girona through injury and wasn’t risked from the bench as Hansi Flick led his team to a comfortable victory.

Even so, there are areas where a fit and firing Rashford might have made it an even more handsome victory. The goals were scored by Marc Bernal, Frenkie de Jong and Fermin Lopez, with neither Raphinha nor Robert Lewandowski, who was withdrawn midway through the second half, providing a goal or an assist.

While Barcelona are yet to officially exercise their option to sign Rashford on a permanent basis, the clues are beginning to appear. Not only has Flick spoken highly of the England international, but Rashford has also reportedly banked £8.5million by cashing out dividends from his businesses – behaviour that could indicate he’s preparing to leave the UK.

Even on a day when Rashford wasn’t needed on the pitch, the case for a permanent swoop was being made. Here’s what the Spanish media said after Barca’s win.

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Mundo Deportivo

The stars of the show were defenders and midfielders, with winter arrival Joao Cancelo impressing alongside midfield scorers Bernal and De Jong. However, Mundo Deportivo recognised the absence of goals from an often-prolific attack.

“Barca didn’t need to shift into high gear, and their forwards failed to find the net,” they wrote. “Lamine [Yamal] was well marked by Manu Sanchez (as he was when he played for Alaves), but he showed flashes of brilliance, as did Raphinha, [Dani] Olmo, and Lewy (Lewandowski). However, the forwards need goals to thrive.”

In the coming weeks, Barcelona may need to make full use of their attacking options. That means the likes of Rashford and Ferran Torres will likely have responsibilities – sometimes even from the start – as the fixtures come thick and fast.

Sport

Barca’s strength in depth was also Sport’s focus. The publication believes that’s where the title should be won and lost, even if it was others, rather than Rashford himself, who demonstrated that quality on Sunday.

“Flick’s team, who have a plan, play more and better, have a more balanced squad, don’t depend exclusively on two or three players, and are the current champions,” their report read. “In short, the Blaugrana, under any circumstances, would be the clear favourite to repeat as champions.”

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The same publication pointed to what it sees as controversial refereeing decisions going the way of rivals Real Madrid but has confidence this can make Flick’s side stronger. “This reality, the one Barça has had to live with throughout its existence, has also forged its character and, of course, its style of play,” they continued.

“That’s why when they win, they win big, and that’s why the Champions League title has always been accompanied by the league title. It’s unfair, but that’s how it is. And yet, there are matchdays, like this weekend’s, when everything, well organized, falls into place.”

Marca

Yes, it was a win for Barcelona and a handsome one at that, but Marca recognised the continued lack of goals from those paid to deliver at the sharp end. “Interestingly, it was the third consecutive match in which no Barcelona forward scored: they failed to find the net against Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey, and [Pau] Cubarsí scored the only goal against Girona,” their report read.

That’s not to say there weren’t chances. On another day, one of the front three could easily have made it onto the scoresheet, were it not for some profligate finishing and sharp saves from Levante keeper Mat Ryan.

Still, some might be tempted to point to the fact that one constant from those matches is the absence of Rashford from the pitch. It will be interesting to see how he is used against Villarreal on Saturday.

AS

Cancelo was the star of the show for AS as well. However, the form of the defender – in his second spell at Camp Nou – also emphasised some below-par performances elsewhere.

“Cancelo’s cross gave the home side the lead after just four minutes, thanks to Bernal, who was thus solidifying his place in the starting lineup,” their report read. “Cancelo also provided the assist for De Jong’s second goal in the 32nd minute.

“In between, the Portuguese full-back repeatedly delivered dangerous crosses into the box, but it seemed Lewandowski, once again, wasn’t having his best day. Then Ferran, as usual, failed to improve on the Polish striker.”

Barcelona may well look to spend big on a new striker this summer if they decide against renewing Lewandowski’s contract. However, Rashford himself may have a chance to audition in a central role in the coming weeks.

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Marcus Rashford signing for Barcelona from Manchester United permanently this summer could depend on who wins the Catalan club’s upcoming presidential election

Barcelona preliminary presidential candidate Xavier Vilajoana believes the Catalan club should consider re-signing Jan Virgili before deciding whether to make a permanent move for Marcus Rashford during this summer’s transfer window.

Rashford’s loan deal gives Barcelona an option to sign the England international for £26million. However, they also have a clause that enables them to bring Virgili back to the club a year after selling him to Mallorca.

The teenage winger has six assists for them in La Liga during his first season of senior football. Rashford, in comparison, has 10 goals and 13 assists, but is nine years Virgili’s senior.

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Vilajoana, a former Barcelona executive who was head of La Masia, brought up Virgili when discussing the possibility of signing Rashford permanently. He told ESPN: “I am someone who believes you should always look in-house first, as I’ve always said, and then look outside depending on the characteristics of the players you have.

“For example, I want to give the example of Jan Virgili, who is currently playing for Mallorca. He’s a great winger. I would maybe look at [exercising the clause to re-sign him] as an option, for example, rather than paying the Rashford clause.

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“That said, it’s not just the president who arrives and makes the decision. The president arrives, puts things on the table, alternatives are considered, it’s discussed, and a decision is made.

“What I am clear on is that if [signing Rashford] is considered to be the best decision from a sporting point of view, the money will be there to make it happen.”

Vilajoana is one of four confirmed presidential candidates for the 15 March election. Joan Laporta is standing for re-election, while Marc Ciria and Victor Font, who also stood in the last elections five years ago, are his other opponents.

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Barcelona have an option to purchase Marcus Rashford for £26m – and the forward has made it clear he does not want to return to Manchester United

Manchester United have told Barcelona that they will not re-negotiate Marcus Rashford’s fee.

Rashford is on a season-long loan at the Spanish giants, who have the option to buy him for £26million at the end of the campaign. And according to the Daily Mail, United are said to be puzzled by speculation they are prepared to negotiate the fee.

The report also claims that Barca must pay the agreed figure in full, and United hope that selling Rashford and wiping his salary off the wage bill will contribute to some significant savings this summer.

The forward has largely impressed at Spotify Camp Nou, scoring 10 goals and claiming 13 assists in 34 games.

Rashford has not played for United since December 2024 and lost his ‘10’ squad number to Matheus Cunha under former coach Ruben Amorim during the summer.

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Before that Amorim said he would rather name his 63-year-old goalkeeping coach as a substitute than a player who does not give his all, in response to a question about Rashford.

The forward spent the second-half of last season on loan at Aston Villa and was forced to train at a separate time from United’s first-team players in the summer before he joined Hansi Flick’s side.

Although Rashford has made clear that he wants to join Barca permanently in the summer, Flick revealed last month that the forward’s long-term future with the Spanish giants remains uncertain.

“(Sporting director) Deco and I always speak about our team and what we can do,” the German said when quizzed about Rashford.

“Marcus’ performances have been really good until now, but we have to manage it. It’s Deco’s job and the club’s job to work on next season so we have to wait.

“We still have plenty more time, there are many months, many days, many weeks ahead of us, and that’s how it is.”

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The continuation of Marcus Rashford’s uncertain future at Manchester United remains across headlines

Michael Carrick has been given a weekend respite at Manchester United due to the FA Cup schedule.

The Red Devils exited the tournament last month following a 2-1 loss to Brighton at Old Trafford. Whie their top-four competitors are all playing across the weekend, United have been granted a break before their next Premier League fixture away to Everton on February 23.

Although every chance of silverware this campaign has now passed for United, they remain well-placed to secure Champions League qualification, which would mark progress in the right direction.

As the club’s search for a new permanent manager continues, with Thomas Tuchel the most recent candidate to withdraw from contention, there’s no shortage of activity at Old Trafford. Here, we provide the latest on a transfer development concerning Marcus Rashford, alongside comments from one United player regarding Carrick.

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Marcus Rashford clue

Marcus Rashford has been the subject of discussion ever since his loan switch to Barcelona at the beginning of the campaign. However, the Spanish club appear to have enhanced his prospects of remaining there on a permanent basis in a statement regarding their Copa del Rey fixture against Atletico Madrid.

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Barcelona outlined several reasons for optimism ahead of next month’s fixture, including the return of Rashford, who was absent from the 4-0 first-leg hammering due to a knee injury. They described the Man United loanee as a “key player,” suggesting his significance to Hansi Flick and potentially revealing hints about what lies ahead.

The Catalan club holds an option to purchase Rashford permanently for £26million at the season’s conclusion. This outcome appears increasingly probable, with the player himself having acknowledged his desire to complete the move from United.

The full statement read: “If all goes well, three key players should be available for the second leg on March 3: Pedri, Raphinha and Rashford. The Englishman looks the most certain, having missed the first leg purely as a precaution.”

Benjamin Sesko admission

The Slovenian striker is yet to make a Premier League start under Carrick, though that hasn’t prevented him from delivering a notable contribution. He’s appeared as a substitute in four of the five league matches the former United midfielder has overseen and netted two crucial goals.

Sesko followed up his late winner against Fulham with an even later equaliser away at West Ham earlier this week. The forward featured on the latest episode of Manchester United’s official podcast, where he spoke highly of his manager when asked about his brief tenure under him.

Speaking on Inside Carrington, the 22-year-old stated: “First of all, he’s an amazing person. That’s already meaning really a lot, but as well, a really good coach. And not just him, the whole staff that he has with him, they’re working unbelievably.”

Discussing Carrick’s coaching team, he added: “They’re giving all the details that you need to improve, to get better, to know what to do in the game, because it’s important. And they’re always good with communications [sic], as he and the other staff. So, I’m really happy that he came here and also happy with what we have achieved around it.”

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Marcus Rashford missed out on Atletico Madrid mauling Barcelona 4-0 in the Copa del Rey

Marcus Rashford’s injury saw him escape Barcelona’s devastating 4-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey.

The winger, who is on loan at the Spanish giants from Manchester United, missed out on Thursday’s match at the Metropolitano Stadium after sustaining a knock in the 3-0 victory over Mallorca on Saturday.

In the first leg of the semi-final tie, Hansi Flick’s side conceded all four goals in the first half with the opening 45 minutes being regarded as the worst of the German’s tenure so far in Catalonia.

He traveled to Madrid without the services of Pedri, Raphinha and the England star, but now faces an improbable task of reaching the final of defending the trophy. Promising his team will bounce back ahead of the second leg next month, Flick said: “Look, when I say I’m disappointed, maybe that’s not right.

“I’m proud of these players this season. We’ve had injuries. And that’s part of the game. Sometimes you lose. Today was a wake-up call, a tough defeat. And we’ll be back. We have to accept this lesson.

“We didn’t play well from the first minute. We have a young team, but that’s no excuse. Then, the second half was better.” Spanish media’s verdict of Rashford was clear to see after the humiliating defeat.

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Sport

Jordi Carne of Sport discussed Rashford’s absence in the 4-0 demolition, admitting that Flick not being able to call upon the Englishman damaged his side’s balance on the wings. Dani Olmo, who usually does his best work through the middle, was shifted onto the left flank but lacks Rashford’s pace and directness.

He wrote: “Barca sorely missed their two key players, in addition to Lamine Yamal and Joan Garcia. All six defeats this season have come in matches where Raphinha hasn’t played a single minute, and while the numbers without Pedri aren’t as bad as they once were, the Canary Islander is fundamental not only in possession but also in defensive cover.

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“The added absence of Marcus Rashford meant Olmo had to move to the left wing, leaving the team without the two natural replacements for Raphinha and Pedri.”

Mundo Deportivo

The England forward wasn’t even mentioned in Mundo Deportivo‘s breakdown of the defeat, who instead opted to focus on the absences of Pedri and Raphinha. Even with 23 goals and assists to his name this season, which is superior to the midfield maestro (10) and the Brazilian trickster (18), it can be argued that Rashford is not yet seen as a key player for Barcelona by some Spanish media.

They wrote: “Without Pedri or Raphinha , and with Lamine well contained, Barca were outmatched in intensity and effectiveness. The tie is now a very uphill battle. There are precedents in Barca’s history of impossible comebacks, but this time the challenge borders on the epic.”

AS

Rashford was not given any consideration by AS. The lengthy analysis of the damaging result saw Juan Jimenez lament the absences of Pedro and Raphinha, yet fail to discuss the growing importance of the Englishman to Flick’s team.

Despite Rashford starting in every Copa del Rey game prior to Thursday, Jimenez wrote: “Surviving without Pedri is very difficult. And surviving without the Canary Islander and Raphinha is practically impossible.

“If Lamine represents talent, Pedri and Raphinha are usually the barometer of a Barca side facing some uncertainties after the defeat at the Metropolitano. Perhaps the two weeks off after the Girona match will give them time to reflect.”

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