Marcus Rashford set to rebuff Barcelona’s approach in favour of moving to Aston Villa permanently | OneFootball

On-loan Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford’s future continues to be the subject of conjecture heading into the summer transfer window.

It seemed his future was settled when the Mancunian decided to leave his boyhood club for Aston Villa in January, with the Birmingham-based outfit even having the option of turning his temporary stint permanent for £40 million.

The Englishman has enjoyed a productive stint under Unai Emery, scoring four times while registering six assists in 10 starts across all competitions.

His form earned him a recall into the England national team while long-term admirers Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain also entered the fray.

Rashford wants Villa stay

It was well-known that the Carrington graduate was dreaming of a move to the Camp Nou only for the Catalan giants to steer clear in January.

Many fear Rashford will opt to move abroad, either to Barca or the Champions League finalists, especially if Villa fail to qualify for the Champions League next season. One thing is clear, United do not want him back.

While triggering the option might not be too difficult for the Villans, Rashford’s humongous £300,000-a-week wages (via capology) would prove too much for the team from Villa Park.

But Express Sport have now revealed that the England international wants to steer clear of a fresh start abroad in favour of staying with Villa, where he has built up a good rapport with Emery.

“Marcus Rashford would rather stay at Aston Villa than move abroad this summer. The 27-year-old joined on loan from Manchester United in February and has relished his return to first-team action after being frozen out by Ruben Amorim.

“Villa have a £40 million option to make the move permanent, although their transfer plans could hinge on which European competition they qualify for.

CL qualification key

“Rashford had looked favourably upon a prospective move to Barcelona in the winter, but Express Sport understands that a successful spell working with manager Unai Emery – under whom he has scored four goals and registered five assists – has swayed him towards staying at Villa Park.

“Rashford will have a say on his next move but whether or not he makes a permanent switch to the West Midlands is not entirely down to him. Villa may yet try to negotiate their £40m option down, but the major sticking point is his whopping £350,000-a-week wage.”

Villa are still in with a shout of Champions League qualification, as they are sixth, only below Chelsea on goal difference. Qualifying for Europe’s premier competition should make things much easier.

They could try and reduce the 27-year-old’s price as well but whether INEOS will agree to it remains to be seen. Which is why, The Peoples Person had relayed that they are already scouting for alternatives in case things go south.

Feature image Warren Little via Getty Images

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