Marcus Rashford has enjoyed his time on loan at Aston Villa and has a clear preference for his next move
Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford is now said to be more inclined to remain at Aston Villa than seek a move abroad this summer.
The 27-year-old, who joined Villa on loan from Manchester United in February, has enjoyed his return to regular first-team football after being sidelined by Ruben Amorim.
Villa have the option to make Rashford's move permanent for £40million, but their transfer plans may depend on which European competition they qualify for.
While Rashford had reportedly previously considered a potential move to Barcelona, Express Sport reports that his successful stint under manager Unai Emery has persuaded him to stay at Villa Park.
Rashford will have input into his future, but the final decision on a permanent move to the West Midlands isn't entirely up to him. Villa might attempt to negotiate down their £40m option, but Rashford's hefty wages could be a major obstacle.
His salary would make him Villa's highest-paid player by a significant margin, and it could also deter Barcelona. It's been suggested that Rashford has enlisted agent Pini Zahavi to explore a move to the Catalan club, as there's no certainty that Villa can meet his financial demands - especially if they fail to secure Champions League qualification.
Although Rashford's contract with United runs until 2028, a return to Old Trafford is seen as highly unlikely.
Whether other interested parties will join the fray this summer remains to be seen, following earlier links to Borussia Dortmund, Serie A clubs and teams in the Saudi Pro League.
Some Villa supporters are worried that they may have already witnessed Rashford's final appearance in claret and blue due to a hamstring injury he sustained last month.
The forward, capable of playing centrally or on the left wing, undertook a warm-weather rehabilitation programme in Dubai to expedite his recovery, and a return before the season concludes wasn't initially ruled out.
That said, Friday's home match against Tottenham is the last game Rashford is eligible to play in, as Villa head to Old Trafford on the final day.
Rashford returned to the England squad in March after a year-long absence, and getting fit for Thomas Tuchel's second round of games next month is a top priority.
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