Aston Villa are reportedly close to finalising a loan agreement for Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford. The 27-year-old forward, who had initially shown interest in a move to Barcelona, appears to be shifting his focus as that opportunity dwindles. Consequently, Villa have intensified their efforts to secure his services ahead of the impending transfer deadline.
According to MailOnline, discussions are currently underway to integrate Rashford into Unai Emery's squad before the deadline on Monday. The negotiations are expected to culminate in an arrangement that includes an option for Aston Villa to purchase the player outright in the future. Furthermore, the club is prepared to cover a substantial portion of Rashford’s current weekly salary, which is reported to be £360,000.
Rashford has not featured for Manchester United since being omitted from the squad by head coach Ruben Amorim for the Manchester derby on December 12. His absence from the pitch has attracted scrutiny, particularly in light of increasing criticism regarding his lifestyle choices and training approach. Amorim acknowledged on Wednesday the potential advantages of having Rashford in his team, yet he also emphasised that the forward has not consistently met the performance standards expected within the squad.
The potential acquisition of Rashford could provide a significant boost to Aston Villa as they seek to enhance their attacking options. With the transfer deadline fast approaching, both the club and the player are keen to reach a resolution that serves the interests of all parties involved. As Villa set their sights on Rashford, the football world will be watching closely to see if this deal materialises in the coming days.