Aston Villa handed Marcus Rashford transfer response after Man United bombshell dropped

Manchester United's Marcus Rashford is reportedly on the verge of a loan transfer to Aston Villa. The winger has been looking for a way out of United after being left out of the squad that secured victory over Manchester City in December. Talks are progressing for Rashford to join Villa on loan for the remainder of the season as they look to rebuild their team following Jhon Duran's big-money move to Al-Nassr.

Duran saw his transfer to Al-Nassr finalised on Friday night and Villa are actively seeking his replacement. Joao Felix and Marco Asensio have long been on Emery's radar, while Villa also has an interest in Matheus Cunha. Birmingham Live readers have been talking about the possibilities in our comments section.

Now, it appears that United striker Rashford is a potential option for Emery, with reports claiming the Villa manager has personally requested the club to initiate discussions. BirminghamLive reported on Saturday that Villa are set to agree a buy option with in the loan deal for Rashford, who is understood to be open to the move.

Villa can provide Rashford with the chance to compete in the Champions League knock-out stages, having already secured a place in the last 16. The 27 year-old is available for loan after being omitted from United's team for the past 12 games by Ruben Amorim. Barcelona had shown interest, but a move to Spain for Rashford seems unlikely at this point.

It's been suggested that Rashford’s preference would be to either join the La Liga giants or remain at United, so Villa will need to convince him to make the move. His £325,000 per week contract could also pose a challenge to a potential transfer.

Commenter Duranduran asks: “I wonder why they don’t just make this happen? Maybe a fresh start and short loan could work out well for all sides. No way should we sign him but what harm could a loan do? He’s a great talent that would suit our play.”

Avfc1 replies: “Fully agree, he’s a great talent who has fallen out with his employer and so he must look for a club that can bring out that talent again. Unai ideal - sign him on loan and share his salary with United, get it done.”

2b6nbeyond disagrees: “Rashford is too similar to what we already have. I thought the point was to find a No 10 to play alongside Watkins? It feels like a big mistake waiting to happen.”

Mob6974 says: “Much as I'm sorry to see Duran go, as I do believe with the patience needed at this level he could've become great."

Chosen in 1957 agrees: “Forget it. Rashford has had more chances than anyone to realise his potential for his club and country and it ain't happened. Ollie is well ahead of him in the England set up and that shows who's the best striker.”

Mac78 adds: “I said I wouldn't want us to sign Felix but I'd take him before I'd want Rashford!"

Smashed thinks: “Transfers are difficult to get over the line in January so loan deals are the answer to address a club's immediate needs, saving cash to land the targets that the club want for the summer window where deals go a lot smoother, a wise decision to keep our options open in my opinion and one that makes much sense.”

Creation writes: “Other than his wages, I would welcome Marcus Rashford to Aston Villa with open arms. We've been there, so I understand his dilemma. I hope Rashford comes to Aston Villa.”

What do you think? Is Rashford the best choice for Villa? Have your say in our comments section.