Aston Villa are reportedly closing in on signing Marcus Rashford on loan from Manchester United before the transfer window officially closes on Monday. This potential deal reflects Villa’s proactive approach in the transfer market as they urgently seek a replacement for Jhon Duran, who recently made a move to Al-Nassr for a significant fee.
The Midlands club has identified Rashford, an England international renowned for his attacking prowess, as a key target. His potential arrival could bolster Villa’s attacking options, especially in light of Duran’s departure. However, Rashford’s situation has garnered attention from a number of European giants, including Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund, Juventus, and AC Milan, all of whom have shown interest in the talented forward. This comes after Rashford made public comments indicating his contemplation of leaving Old Trafford.
The 27-year-old has had a frustrating season so far, having not featured for United since their Europa League victory over Viktoria Plzen on December 12. His playing time has diminished significantly, with new Head Coach Ruben Amorim even stating that he prefers to bench his experienced goalkeeper coach, Jorge Vital, over Rashford if the forward does not “give the maximum every day.” This sentiment underscores the current dilemma surrounding Rashford’s commitment and performance levels.
Despite Rashford’s notable interest from various clubs, a move to AC Milan has been ruled out after they completed the signing of Kyle Walker on loan from Manchester City. This acquisition filled their final squad slot for an English player, thus eliminating the possibility for Rashford to join them. Meanwhile, while Barcelona could provide an enticing opportunity, their ongoing financial struggles might complicate any transfer dealings involving the Manchester United star.
Rashford is among the highest earners at Old Trafford, reportedly earning over £300,000 a week, which adds another layer of complexity to any loan negotiations. Manchester United will need to discuss how much of his wages they would be willing to cover should he move to another club, making this deal multifaceted.
On the other hand, Aston Villa have successfully raised substantial funds from the sale of Duran for £64m. They are using this capital strategically as they aim to strengthen their squad further. There have also been reports that Villa rejected a bid from Arsenal for their forward Ollie Watkins, which indicates their determination to hold on to key players while seeking additional reinforcements.
To further explore their options, Villa’s president of football operations, Monchi, has confirmed interest in Chelsea’s Joao Felix. The Portugal international, despite having just joined Chelsea in the summer, appears to be another avenue Villa is considering as they work diligently to enhance their offensive lineup. As the transfer deadline approaches, the situation surrounding Rashford will be one to watch closely, with potential implications for all clubs involved.
World of sports 
Leave a comment