Manchester United star Marcus Rashford was loaned to Aston Villa in the January transfer window and his move could've resulted in another player heading in the opposite direction
Manchester United held talks with Aston Villa over a potential swap deal for Ollie Watkins as Marcus Rashford came to the end of his loan spell. Rashford, 27, spent the second half of last season at Villa Park, having fallen out on favour under Ruben Amorim.
The loan deal included an option for Villa to sign the United forward for £40million but it could've been very different had the swap with Watkins came to fruition. The 29-year-old was reportedly available for transfer in January, even being offered to Arsenal.
According to the Athletic, United held discussions with Villa about signing Watkins at the end of the season. The Red Devils have now made a fresh enquiry separate to Rashford, who Villa won't be signing permanently.
Amorim wants to sign a new striker and Watkins has emerged a target, with Rashford having returned to Old Trafford but appearing to have no future at United. Villa, meanwhile, are currently grappling with Premier League Profit and Sustainability Rules and it's claimed that they need to make one lucrative sale in order to avoid punishment.
It's been speculated that Villa Park chiefs could follow Chelsea's example and sell their women's team in what would be a controversial move. Selling Watkins would also cause outcry, with Villa already letting one striker leave in the January transfer window before narrowly missing out on Champions League qualification.
Unai Emery's side sanctioned the departure of Jhon Duran to Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr for a cool £65million. Duran's departure didn't mean that Watkins was always first-choice for Emery, though.
Rashford started both of Villa's Champions League quarter-final clashes with Paris Saint-Germain, leaving Watkins 'fuming'. "I played 20 minutes against PSG in both games, so I'm not going to lie - I was fuming I wasn't playing," he told Sky Sports.
"I let him (Emery) know that. He's the manager at the end of the day. I respect his decision. But I'm not one of the players happy to sit on the bench.
Should Aston Villa have swapped Ollie Watkins for Marcus Rashford? Have your say in the comments section.
"It's something I haven't experienced before, missing out on the biggest stage. You always want to play, especially in the Champions League. Me and a few others are disappointed we didn't start the game, but like I said, it's the manager's decision... Rather than let it hinder you, you have to use that anger as motivation."
The England international would almost certainly start most games for the Red Devils, as he's significantly more Premier League-proven compared to United strikers Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee. Last season, Watkins bagged 17 goals and laid on 14 assists.
AhmedMourad
0
MwenePuta
0
But Watkin is hot to me!!!
Lacdknsyz
0
Lacdknsyz
0
Jimoh1202
0
why not sell Huijllund, mount, malacia, Onana, altay, Tom and Sancho and leave Marcus alone bcuz is far better than all this scrap player and even more skilful, talent and useful than Watkins.
but when Rashford doesn't want to stay, what will United Do... they add to let him go
yakbekoprt
1
why not sell Huijllund, mount, malacia, Onana, altay, Tom and Sancho and leave Marcus alone bcuz is far better than all this scrap player and even more skilful, talent and useful than Watkins.
Sadmnops
0
you know nothing about human management
you're a morosophist.
zopbdkmnr
0
The issue of ego that consumed Amorim wouldn't permit him change his mind despite the fact that all the players hebis wanting to sell are very players who may help the team if they are properly advised and guided. These players are lots better than the ones the club is targeting to hire.
you know nothing about human management
zopbdkmnr
0
why not sell Zirkzee ?Ransford is better than him.
what do u know
Sadmnops
1
The issue of ego that consumed Amorim wouldn't permit him change his mind despite the fact that all the players hebis wanting to sell are very players who may help the team if they are properly advised and guided. These players are lots better than the ones the club is targeting to hire.
Lihbcdlnpu
3
why not sell Zirkzee ?Ransford is better than him.
rihabcenrz
1
Chhi sasuri
Wawkpstyz
2
Unserious club , they don’t care about the fans, it’s about money to them, a club that ended 15th position is there struggling to sign players while clubs that came first already signed 4 players
zaks09798
6
let them swap
Mooemoruyz
3
how do you see
REDALIEN
5
if its a private talk then is it the private talk was it about you??? because if itd private then how you know that they had a private talk how did you know whst was said hippocrite journalise