Aston Villa are preparing to battle Paris Saint-Germain for the permanent signature of Marcus Rashford this summer, reports say.
The Premier League club are keen to convert the England forward's current loan arrangement into a full transfer from Manchester United.
Villa's interest in securing Rashford on a permanent basis comes as they look to strengthen their squad for next season.
The 27-year-old has been on loan at Villa Park this season after falling out of favour at his parent club.
Aston Villa are preparing to battle Paris Saint-Germain for the permanent signature of Marcus Rashford this summer
REUTERS
PSG remain strong contenders for his signature, having previously shown interest in the versatile attacker.
According to The Sun, manager Unai Emery has expressed confidence in Rashford, telling Villa chiefs he believes the Manchester United forward's "head is in the right place".
The Spanish coach is convinced that signing the 27-year-old permanently would help take the club "to the next level".
Emery took a calculated risk by bringing Rashford to Villa on loan initially.
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Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has been impressed by Marcus Rashford's performances for the club
PA
Sources at the club reveal the manager rates the England international "very highly".
In fact, Emery would be prepared to install Rashford as Villa's main striker should Ollie Watkins depart in the summer transfer window.
Watkins has been repeatedly linked with a move away from Villa Park, with Arsenal reportedly maintaining strong interest in the forward after seeing a bid turned down back in January.
The major hurdle for Villa will be Rashford's current salary package at Manchester United.
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However, the club hope the forward could be persuaded to accept reduced wages to secure his future.
Villa believe a pay cut might be acceptable to Rashford if it helps resurrect his career both at club level and with England, having won round Thomas Tuchel at international level.
A permanent move to Villa Park could provide the stability Rashford needs to rediscover his best form.
Rashford nearly joined PSG before his loan move to Villa.
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The forward reportedly came extremely close to a transfer to Paris in the summer of 2022, having struggled at United under Ralf Rangnick.
At least three meetings took place between PSG and Rashford's representatives at that time.
Talks with then sporting director Leonardo progressed so well that Rashford gave the "green light" for a move to Ligue 1.
Marcus Rashford joined Aston Villa in January after struggling at Manchester United
PA
The deal collapsed in May 2022 after PSG replaced Leonardo, however.
Villa will host PSG next Tuesday for the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie.
The Midlands club suffered a 3-1 defeat in Paris in the first leg last night, with Emery's side second best as they crashed to defeat.
