Aston Villa allegedly do not have first option to buy Marcus Rashford this summer, despite having an agreement with Manchester United which allows them to purchase the forward for £40m.
The breakdown in Rashford's relationship with Man United head coach Ruben Amorim led to the attacker leaving Old Trafford during the January transfer window, with the England international ultimately making the move to Villa on loan.
Rashford will not play again this season due to a hamstring problem, but he has made a positive impression for Unai Emery's side, scoring four goals and registering six assists in 17 appearances in all competitions.
Villa can buy Rashford for £40m this summer, but according to Sky Sports News, there is nothing in the agreement with Man United which gives them priority when it comes to a transfer.
As a result, Man United, in theory, could decide to sell Rashford elsewhere providing that their £40m valuation is met, and a move abroad would be much more appealing for the Red Devils.
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Villa 'do not have first refusal on Rashford'
Rashford allegedly believes that Man United would be willing to sell him to any club this summer providing that their price tag is met.
Despite being happy at Villa, Rashford is thought to be hopeful that a major foreign club, potentially Barcelona, will make a move for him during this summer's transfer window, and there is believed to be interest from the Catalan giants.
Should Barcelona manage to move Ansu Fati on this summer, then a space would open up in the squad, and bringing in a player of Rashford's experience and quality for £40m is said to be a serious option for the La Liga champions.
Villa's final decision could rest on whether they are able to secure Champions League football for next season, which would place them in a much stronger position heading into the summer transfer window.
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Could Rashford reignite his Man United career?
It is not impossible to imagine a scenario which leads to Rashford returning to Man United and reigniting his career at the club, but it is incredibly difficult to see that occurring considering what has happened.
As it stands, Rashford will be back for pre-season training with Man United in July, with the Red Devils then opening their preparations for the new campaign with a clash against Leeds United on July 19.
The Man United academy product has scored 138 goals and registered 77 assists in 426 appearances for the English club, but his career at Old Trafford appears to be over, at least with Amorim in charge.
The forward does have a contract with the Red Devils until June 2028, though, and his wages are in the region of £325,000 a week, which makes a permanent transfer away from the club even more problematic.
Matt Law
