Aston Villa close to agreeing loan deal for Manchester United star

News of Villa’s interest in the England international emerged on Friday and significant progress toward an agreement has been made.

Though the deal has not yet been finalised, there is an expectation Rashford will join until the end of the season, with an option to make the move permanent in the summer.

Villa have agreed to cover a large portion of the 27-year-old’s £325,000-a-week salary.

Boss Unai Emery wants “two or three” new signings before Monday’s transfer deadline and personally requested the club explored a move for Rashford, who has been frozen out under Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford.

Rashford has not played since early December and has only featured in one matchday squad.

Barcelona were thought to be favourites for his signature but it is Villa who have jumped to the front of the queue, with the prospect of playing in the Champions League believed to be a major attraction for the player.

Villa have allowed five senior players to leave during the transfer window and recouped nearly £100million in fees, with the largest deal seeing Jhon Duran depart to Al-Nassr for an initial £64m.

Winger Donyell Malen, who joined from Borussia Dortmund for £21m, has been their only major signing so far but a busy end to the window is anticipated with Chelsea playmaker Joao Felix and Paris St Germain forward Marco Asensio among their targets.