Marcus Rashford’s future is uncertain, despite Aston Villa holding the £40million option to make his loan spell from Manchester United permanent this summer. The 27-year-old won’t play again until next season after suffering a hamstring injury in the build-up to Villa’s FA Cup semi-final defeat against Crystal Palace.
And it’s unclear whether he has made his final appearance under Unai Emery, who hasn’t yet confirmed whether the Midlands club plan to trigger the clause. According to BBC Sport, there have been no negotiations between Rashford and Villa over a permanent transfer. But the former United poster boy is said to have no intentions of accepting a pay cut from his £325,000-a-week salary.
It leaves Villa in a sticky situation, especially if they don’t qualify for next season’s Champions League with a top-five Premier League finish.
Emery’s side are sixth with two games remaining, level on points with fifth-place Chelsea, two behind Manchester City and trailing Newcastle United by three.
Regardless of Villa’s plans, the report adds that Rashford’s representatives don’t believe Ruben Amorim has any desire to reinstate the England international.
However, it’s claimed that as it stands, he is currently expected to return to United for the start of pre-season training in July – a surprising twist.
The Red Devils’ part-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has made his feelings on Rashford clear after sanctioning his loan exit in January.
In an interview with BBC Sport in March, the INEOS boss shared his delight with Rashford’s upturn in form at Villa Park after a miserable start to life under Amorim.
And, despite hailing the forward’s quality, Sir Jim suggested that it potentially served him best if he were away from Manchester.
“He’s moved out of Manchester, and maybe that’s a good thing for him,” the British billionaire explained. “I am very pleased he is doing well.
“It’s good to see because he has got tremendous talent, but for whatever reason, it wasn’t working in Manchester for the past couple of seasons. But he is a very talented footballer, Rashford.”
The former United No. 10’s sale could prove crucial for Amorim’s transfer aspirations in a crucial summer window.
He reportedly wants to sign a versatile forward, a striker and a midfielder, but could receive a limited budget, especially without Champions League qualification.
Current loanees Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Antony have been viewed as the most straightforward sources to boost the budget.
Content Source: www.express.co.uk