Marcus Rashford could be on the move to Aston Villa [Credit: Imago, Hasan Karim]
Marcus Rashford could be on the move to Aston Villa [Credit: Imago, Hasan Karim]

Aston Villa close in on mega Marcus Rashford transfer agreement

Jonathan Burnett

Jonny is a University of Leeds journalism graduate who became part of the FootballInsider team in Spring 2024, and recently worked as Head of Media for Widnes Vikings Rugby League club. Writing as a freelance reporter and commentator for The Sporting News and StatsPerform, he has covered matches in competitions including the FIFA Men's and Women's World Cups, as well as the Champions League, Women's Euro 2022, Six Nations and the Rugby Union World Cup.

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Aston Villa are edging closer to completing a loan move for Marcus Rashford with talks progressing with Manchester United, according to the Manchester Evening News.

The MEN reported on 1 February that Rashford is keen on a temporary switch to Villa Park after falling out of favour at Old Trafford, and there is "optimism" that a deal will be struck.

Villa need attacking reinforcements after selling Jhon Duran to Al Nassr, and Rashford is on the hunt for a new challenge, with Barcelona pulling out of their attempts to sign him in the last 24 hours.

Barcelona's decision has paved the way for Rashford to make his way to Villa Park, and the move is on track to be concluded before the 11 pm deadline on 3 February.

Marcus Rashford to complete Aston Villa transfer?

Given his fading reputation in the game, sizeable wage packet and reports aplenty of a bad attitude at Manchester United, it's no surprise to see many clubs passing up the chance to sign Rashford.

Since his arrival at Villa Park, however, Unai Emery has shown he's capable of transforming the fortunes of an entire club and numerous players – so one more surely shouldn't be too much trouble for him.

Unai Emery
Unai Emery has greenlit Villa's approach for Marcus Rashford late in the transfer window [Credit: Imago]

The Spaniard is clearly in need of attacking reinforcements after losing Villa's top scorer this season, Duran, to the Saudi Pro League in a huge £71million deal, and Rashford might just fit the bill.

With Ollie Watkins now likely to be the first name of the team sheet in the number nine role, Rashford's versatility – he's often featured out wide for club and country – will be highly valuable in Emery's eyes.

It remains to be seen if Rashford's hefty wages prove a stumbling block in Villa's attempts to sign him, but with little over two days of the window left, his switch could be the headline move this winter.

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www.astonvillanews.co.uk