Aston Villa closing in on loan deal for Rashford

Aston Villa are reportedly closing in on a loan deal for Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford before Monday’s transfer deadline.

Sources have told BBC Sport that talks are at an advanced stage, though work remains to finalize the move.

The prospect of working with Villa boss Unai Emery is said to be an attractive one for the 27-year-old.

Rashford has not featured for United since being dropped by head coach Ruben Amorim for the Manchester derby on December 12.

Last week, Amorim suggested he would rather give a place on the bench to his 63-year-old goalkeeping coach than to Rashford, citing a perceived lack of effort from the striker.

On Wednesday, the United boss acknowledged that his side would be stronger with Rashford but insisted the forward had not met the required standards.

“Imagine a talent like Rashford; our team should be so much better with him—but he has to change,” Amorim explained.

“If he changes, we are more than welcome [to include him]—and we need it. But at this moment, we have to set some standards. We are waiting for Rashford, if he wants it really bad.”

A lifelong United player, Rashford joined the club at the age of seven and has since made over 400 appearances, winning the Europa League, two FA Cups, and two EFL Cups.

He has scored 138 goals for United, including a career-best 30 in the 2022/23 season.

He netted in Amorim’s first game in charge, a 1-1 draw at Ipswich on November 24, before bagging a brace in a 4-0 win over Everton a week later.