Marcus Rashford ‘close’ to joining Aston Villa in MEGA deal

Manchester United winger Marcus Rashford is close to leaving the club for Aston Villa.

The Birmingham side are believed to have agreed a loan move that will include a purchase option.

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Rashford has been frozen out of Ruben Amorim’s squad at Old Trafford since being dropped for the Manchester derby in mid-December.

While head coach Amorim has said that the door is open for the attacker to return if he changes his attitude, there have been reports that the England star is no longer on speaking terms with the former Sporting CP boss, who also said that he would rather have the substitute goalkeeper coach on the bench than the 27-year-old.

Rashford, who is under contract with Man Utd until 2028, has gone public on his desire to try a “new challenge” in his career.

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A string of deals have fallen through for Rashford, but Aston Villa have emerged as a likely destination for the attacker, who has scored seven goals in 24 appearances this season.

A deal is “close”, The Athletic states, but it does stress that some details need to be finalised.

Rashford’s wages, which reportedly stand at £350,000 per week, may be one of the issues left to resolve. Man Utd’s instance that his mega salary is covered at least 50% by any club taking him on loan has thwarted attempts from Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund to land the player.

Villa are said to be willing to offer to cover a ‘significant portion’ of his wages with bonuses thrown in depending on his performance.

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Unai Emery: A Rashford fan

In encouraging news for the winger, Aston Villa boss Unai Emery “personally requested” that the Villans chase the attacker.

“Emery thinks is one of the world’s most dangerous attacking players, and believes he can help him recapture his best form,” the report states.

Rashford, meanwhile, is said to be attracted by the prospect of Champions League football. Playing under a coach who clearly believes in him will also be a huge motivation.

Aston Villa have already seen a move for Chelsea defender Axel Disasi break down over financial terms while they also failed to land Sevilla centre-back Loic Bade as a transfer broke down late on.

Emery will, therefore, not take anything for granted with Rashford until a deal is signed.