Aston Villa are close to agreeing a deal to sign Marcus Rashford on loan for the rest of the season, with Unai Emery driving the move to sign the out-of-favour Manchester United forward.
Villa have been exploring the market in that position after the departure of Jhon Durán, with Matheus Cunha, João Félix, Marco Asensio and Mathys Tel among the options considered. Villa regard Rashford as a low-risk signing given they are unlikely to pay a fee.
Villa are discussing potentially including an option to buy Rashford, which would allow them to sign the England international if the move proves fruitful. Rashford has been frozen out by Ruben Amorim at United, and has not made an appearance since 12 December, but a move to Villa would allow him to play in the Champions League and push for the top four.
Download the Guardian app from the iOS App Store on iPhone or the Google Play store on Android by searching for 'The Guardian'.
If you already have the Guardian app, make sure you’re on the most recent version.
In the Guardian app, tap the Menu button at the bottom right, then go to Settings (the gear icon), then Notifications.
Turn on sport notifications.
Villa have agreed to cover a significant portion of Rashford’s £365,000-a-week wages. Their highest earner is thought to be the goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, at about £200,000 a week.
The deal is not completed and the next step is Rashford, who had been keen on a move to Barcelona, agreeing to the transfer before the window shuts at 11pm GMT on Monday. If Rashford joins Villa are expected to try to bring in a younger forward too.
Emery is an admirer of versatile players and Rashford’s experience playing centrally as a striker and on the flanks appeals to the Villa manager. Villa signed Donyell Malen, who can also play across the front line, from Borussia Dortmund last month. Emery believes he can tap into Rashford and help him recapture his best form.
