“Green light given…” Fabrizio Romano provides major Marcus Rashford update ahead of transfer deadline

In the latest twist in the Marcus Rashford saga, Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has reportedly told his side to step up their pursuit of the Manchester United forward.

A transfer headache that seems to have gone on forever, Rashford’s potential loan move to the Midlands could offer a solution for both outfits as well as the player.

This report comes after it had been previously stated that Rashford was holding out for a dream move to Spanish giants Barcelona. But, with Barcelona battling severe financial restrictions and Rashford himself admitting that he was ready for a new challenge, it now looks like a move to Villa could be his only way out of Manchester United this winter.

Looking to recruit following the surprise exit of John Duran to Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr in a reported £64.5million move, Villa are set to bring in a new attacker before the window shuts on Monday. In a post on his social media pages, Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Rashford could be that name, and that after Emery’s approval contacts have been made with the players’ camp.

Romano’s latest update corroborates a report in The Athletic from Friday afternoon, with that report indicating that Emery was a “big fan” of Rashford. That same report noted that Rashford was one of several names being considered by the Premier League side, with Chelsea’ Joao Felix also amongst the options.

Life without Rashford

Rashford, 27, last played for the Red Devils on the 12th of December, with his future remaining a topic regularly discussed across world football in the time since then. In the nearly two months since Rashford last took to the field for his boyhood club, United have gone on to have a mixed run of form.

Playing twelve games, United have won just half in that period, but Rúben Amorim’s side currently find themselves on their longest win streak since May of 2024 with three consecutive victories.

Despite missing a considerable chunk of game time across this current absence, Rashford still finds himself amongst United’s top scorers this season. So far across all competitions this season only Amad (9), Bruno Fernandes (9) and Alejandro Garnacho (8), have scored more goals than Rashford’s seven.

Why do Villa want Rashford?

With the Villains now aiming to strengthen their squad following Duran’s exit to Al Nassr, a loan move for Rashford offers proven Premier League goalscoring experience, a rarity in the current market.

As of the time of writing, only five current Premier League players have scored more goals in the competition than Rashford’s 87, with all five players being significantly older than Rashford.

Additionally, in a mirror situation to that of Jadon Sancho’s loan to Borussia Dortmund last season, a move may appeal to Rashford with Villa being able to offer a return to Champions League football for the attacker.

If Rashford is able to reach the heights of his Premier League form again, then the 60-time capped England international could represent shrewd business for whoever picks him up.

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