Aston Villa are making their moves in the transfer market ahead of the transfer window opening, as they close in on securing Champions League football.
Unai Emery’s side sit six points above sixth-placed Brighton with three games remaining in the Premier League, while they will take on Nottingham Forest in the Europa League semi-final second leg on Thursday night, trailing 1-0 from the first leg.
But despite not being officially confirmed of their place in next season’s tournament, Villa are ready to step up their interest in players ahead of the transfer window opening, with talks held already.
Aston Villa Hold Trafford Talks
According to transfer insider Sully Talkz, Aston Villa have held talks with the agents of Man City star James Trafford over a summer transfer.
The goalkeeper, dubbed ‘world-class’, is expected to leave the Etihad Stadium this summer after a lack of playing time since joining from Burnley, after Pep Guardiola opted to bring in Gianluigi Donnarumma during the same transfer window.
It’s understood that Tottenham and Newcastle United are also interested in the England international, but wages have been a stumbling block in talks with the Magpies so far, while Spurs still don’t know which division they will be playing in next season.
That has given Aston Villa the edge in talks as they push ahead with a move, with goalkeeper Emi Martinez expected to be on the move after the World Cup with Argentina.
Trafford Would Be Perfect Martinez Replacement
While Martinez is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, his performance levels over the last 18 months have dropped, and it would be smart for Villa to begin their plans to replace him early.
Trafford has got plenty of talent and potential, but he’s also proven himself to be ready to step up to the Premier League and be a regular, and a deal would be perfect for Villa to take advantage of.
Any fee is unlikely to be too high due to his situation, and with Champions League football and a starting spot to offer him, this looks like their race to lose at this stage.
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Marcus Rashford is facing an uncertain future as there are doubts over whether the England international will make a permanent switch to Barcelona this summer.
The Manchester United forward joined the Blaugrana last summer on a season-long loan, impressing with 14 goals and 14 assists in 49 appearances across all competitions.
The 28-year-old helped Barcelona on the way to becoming La Liga title winners, filling in on either wing in the absence of Lamine Yamal and Raphinha.
While a permanent move for Rashford appeared possible, that has since become complicated with other transfer activity, which is now creating doubt over his future at the Nou Camp.
With that in mind, Barcelona have seemingly made their final decision on signing the forward permanently.
That doesn’t stop the possibility of negotiating better terms, or perhaps even another loan deal, but it appears as though that ship may well have sailed.
According to local outlet RAC 1, Rashford isn’t in Barcelona’s plans and any possibility of a return will only happen if the club fail to land other targets in the transfer market.
With the strength of Raphinha and Yamal also in the frontline, it means there may not be room for Rashford, who may have to go back to the drawing board.
It’s a blow for the England international, who seemed to enjoy his time in Spain, as well as a conundrum for Manchester United to consider in the market.
Where Could Marcus Rashford Go Next?
There’s a new challenge for Rashford to consider this summer when it comes to his options, following an impressive showing in La Liga over the past campaign.
The winger will have to think once again about his next steps, which could include a return to Manchester United to impress under new permanent boss Michael Carrick.
Having shown plenty of quality before, and playing under a manager who will know how to get the best out of him, it’s an option that could be attractive.
The difficulty comes in the size of his deal, and whether both parties would be willing to re-open a chapter that appeared to be closed 18 months ago.
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In terms of other clubs, there will no doubt be some interest in the Premier League if he wishes to stay in England, with a return to Aston Villa potentially on the cards, while any of the big clubs will at least take a cursory glance at a move.
Elsewhere in Europe there may be challenges, especially when it comes to financial power, as sides in Serie A, La Liga, Ligue 1 and the Bundesliga could find it tough to put together a competitive package.
That said, the allure of a move to somewhere new could help reduce the figures involved, but it will all be determined by what Rashford wants to do next.
