Marcus Rashford is reportedly set to join Aston Villa (Image: Getty)
move to could be the first domino to fall in what is likely to be a busy few days for clubs. The forward is reportedly .
Rashford will likely bring an end to his 20-year association with United in the summer. Villa are expected to have an option to make the deal permanent, while the 27-year-old seems to have little future under even if the Midlands side do not take up that option.
This January has been a chess match between teams needing to sell before they can buy. Rashford’s departure from United could have a knock-on effect for at least a couple of deals before Monday’s deadline.
Villa signing a new forward might see them soften their stance on Ollie Watkins’ future. are understood to have made an initial offer for the 29-year-old, who is a Gunners fan, but it was turned down by Villa.
is eager to sign a new forward before the transfer deadline. and Gabriel Jesus have struggled as ’s No. 9s, while the latter is expected to be out for the remainder of the season with an ACL injury. Attacker is also sidelined with a hamstring problem.
Reports suggest that Villa were only willing to allow one of Watkins or Jhon Duran leave during this window. Duran has completed a £71m transfer to Saudi outfit Al-Nassr. However, with Villa potentially adding Rashford to their other January addition of forward Donyell Malen from Borussia Dortmund, there might yet be scope for Watkins to depart.
Emery remains adamant that the England forward will stay at Villa Park but the Spaniard will at least have top options should a deal for him to join be agreed.
Could Ollie Watkins join Arsenal after all? (Image: Getty)
And back at Old Trafford, there might be a sigh of relief when a large portion of Rashford’s salary has been trimmed from the wage bill. United’s ability to conduct business has been squeezed due to profit and sustainability concerns.
A move for wing-back Patrick Dorgu is expected to take place. But Rashford’s exit could vacate space for Amorim to welcome Mathys Tel from Bayern Munich. According to , United would explore the possibility of a loan deal if the 19-year-old forward is made available.
A similar loan deal with a view to buy that has seen Rashford depart would be a good move for Tel. United’s business has set up a busy few days.