Aston Villa consider late January swoop for Manchester United star

The 27-year-old England international is available on loan after falling out of favour under Ruben Amorim and Unai Emery has asked Villa’s transfer chiefs to look into a possible deal.

Emery wants to strengthen his forward line with Jhon Duran poised to join Al-Nassr and Emi Buendia having already departed for Bayer Leverkusen on loan.

Signing Rashford is considered something of a long shot but Emery is keen to test the water in any case.

The forward has featured in just one United squad since mid-December and is thought to prefer a move to Barcelona, should he leave Old Trafford this month.

Villa, who will significantly ease their concerns regarding profit and sustainability with the sale of Duran, would also need to find a way to finance Rashford’s £325,000-a–week wages.

Salary demands could also be the main stumbling block in securing a deal for Chelsea playmaker Joao Felix, another player high on Villa’s list of attacking targets.

Paris St Germain forward Marco Asensio is also on Emery’s radar.

Villa have seen five senior players depart already this month and the focus is very much on incomings ahead of the deadline.

Winger Donyell Malen, who joined in a £21million move from Borussia Dortmund remains the only major addition so far.