Marcus Rashford transfer latest as shock Premier League club eye Man Utd star
WATCH NOW: Aidan Magee discusses the latest sport headlines 31 January 2025
Aston Villa have opened talks to sign Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford in a shock move ahead of Monday's transfer deadline.
The Midlands club are seeking attacking reinforcements following Jhon Duran's imminent £64.5 million move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr.
Villa manager Unai Emery has personally requested the club pursue Rashford, according to The Athletic.
The 27-year-old England international has been frozen out at Old Trafford under manager Ruben Amorim, not featuring since December 12.
Marcus Rashford has been heavily linked with an exit from United
Reuters
Villa are now working to convince Rashford he could revitalise his career at Villa Park while remaining in the Premier League.
However, the forward's £350,000 weekly wages present a significant obstacle to any potential deal.
Rashford has not featured in United's past 12 matches and has been omitted from all but one matchday squad during that period.
The forward has managed just 15 club goals since signing a five-year contract with United in July 2023.
Amorim has taken a firm stance on Rashford's exile, suggesting he would rather have his 63-year-old goalkeeping coach Jorge Vital in the squad.
"Our team should be so much better with Rashford. But he has to change," Amorim said ahead of United's Europa League win against FCSB.
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"In this moment, I think it's really clear that we have to set some certain standards. We are waiting for Marcus, if he wants it really, really bad," the United manager added.
Rashford publicly expressed his desire for a "new challenge" in December, leading to his extended absence from the first team.
Barcelona remain Rashford's preferred destination, with sources indicating he would consider a pay cut to join the Spanish giants.
However, Barcelona sporting director Deco is hesitant about pursuing a loan move before Monday's deadline, despite having the budget available.
Villa boss Unai Emery has made a personal request to sign Marcus Rashford
Reuters
The Catalan club would need to sell two players within the next three days to facilitate any deal.
United are reluctant to cover the majority of Rashford's wages for any loan move, believing they shouldn't subsidise a player wanting to leave.
Several European clubs including AC Milan, Juventus and Borussia Dortmund have also expressed interest in the forward.
Rashford's representatives recently travelled to Milan for discussions over a potential loan move, though no deal has materialised.
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Marcus Rashford has not played for United since December 12
Reuters
Villa are also monitoring Chelsea's Joao Felix and Paris Saint-Germain's Marco Asensio as alternative attacking options.
Sporting director Monchi has confirmed the club's interest in both players but admitted deals could be difficult due to financial considerations.
Emery believes he can help Rashford rediscover his best form at Villa Park, though convincing the player to join remains a challenge.
Villa are also dealing with interest in their own striker Ollie Watkins, with Arsenal keen on the England forward.
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Ollie Watkins has been the subject of transfer interest from Arsenal
Reuters
The club have already seen Emi Buendia depart for Bayer Leverkusen on loan this month.
Villa could offer Rashford Champions League football for the second half of the season after securing a top-eight finish in the league phase.
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