Manchester United could use Marcus Rashford to push through a deal for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez in the summer transfer window. The Red Devils have reportedly tabled Martinez an offer ahead of his expected Villa Park exit, but face strong competition from Barcelona.
The 32-year-old appeared emotional at full-time in Villa's 2-0 victory against Tottenham Hotspur on May 16, which many viewed as a final farewell to the home fans. Ruben Amorim has been tipped to target a new goalkeeper this summer to replace Andre Onana or challenge him for a starting berth. And Rashford is an interesting piece to the puzzle amid reports linked United with a move for Martinez.
Villa have the option to turn Rashford's loan stint permanent in the summer for £40million but it isn't yet clear whether Unai Emery will sanction that.
The Midlands club's chances could rely on whether they beat United at Old Trafford on Sunday and secure Champions League football next season.
United need to offload Rashford from the wage bill to support Amorim's rebuild, but the situation could grow complicated if Villa don't trigger their option.
If finances are the issue preventing Emery from recruiting Rashford full-time, United could offer the 27-year-old forward at a discounted price if Martinez were involved in the deal.
That said, it would likely be more beneficial for the M16 giants to seek alternative suitors to not only vanquish his mammoth salary, but also pocket a transfer fee.
Any fee received from the sale of Rashford would represent pure profit in the club's efforts to comply with PSR and FFP.
So it would be surprising if they didn't prefer a straight sale, which could occur in the form of a 'swap' involving Martinez.
United icon Dwight Yorke, who left Villa for Old Trafford in 1998, has backed the Argentine World Cup winner to make the switch.
"It's kind of a no-brainer. Emi Martinez has been really exceptional for a number of years, and again, you could see why huge clubs would want him," Yorke explained.
"I mean Man United, I know they're struggling, but even now you'd have to consider it because they're such a huge club.
"He wouldn't just be bringing experience, but he's a far better goalkeeper than Andre Onana, just going by the numbers.
"I think for Onana, it hasn't quite worked out, and everyone anticipated that he would have done well. But definitely, signing Martinez would be a huge coup for United."