MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly willing to offer Aston Villa a shock swap deal to seal Marcus Rashford’s permanent exit.
The forward was loaned to Villa Park in the January transfer window and has shown flashes of his past brilliance.
Rashford, 27, helped Aston Villa reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League before being knocked out by Paris Saint-Germain.
He has the chance to help the West Midlands side to silverware with an FA Cup semi-final against Crystal Palace on April 26.
Rashford, in total, has netted three times and assisted six goals in his 15 appearances with Aston Villa.
The Daily Star have suggested that the Red Devils are keen to cut ties with Rashford permanently.
The report claimed that they are willing to offer the out-of-favour star in a swap deal that would see Ollie Watkins move to Old Trafford.
It even suggests that Villa could be offered Rashford and a “significant cash payment” for the England international.
Watkins, 29, has been a previous transfer target for Premier League rivals Arsenal.
The Gunners were linked with the former Brentford ace last summer and in January but Villa were keen to keep hold of him.
Unai Emery’s side opted to cash in on Jhon Duran to the Saudi Pro League in order to keep Watkins at Villa Park.
The 18-capped international has been in fine form this season with 15 goals in the Premier League as well as one more in the Champions League.
He is contracted to Villa until 2028, having put pen to paper on a long-term contract in 2023.
Meanwhile, Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has urged Rashford to return to Old Trafford for next season.
The retired forward claimed that Rashford wants to build a legacy at the club.
Speaking on Amazon Prime, he said: “I hope Rashford goes back to Manchester United and performs like he did tonight.
“That’s what we all want to see as Manchester United fans.
“Rashford wants to play for Manchester United, 100 per cent.
“He’s a Manchester lad, a Manchester United fan.
“He needed to play and it was clear he wasn’t going to play for the rest of the season.
“Sometimes, you have to put the manager in a position where he cannot leave you out.
“Marcus Rashford, in an ideal world, would want to play and leave a legacy at Manchester United.
“Whether that’s possible, I don’t know, but that’s what I’d love to see.”
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