Manchester United now eyeing £60m Premier League striker in potential Marcus Rashford swap deal

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Manchester United are likely to part ways with Marcus Rashford this summer, but may now have a swap deal in mind.

Ruben Amorim is chasing Europa League success with Manchester United, so the summer transfer window may not yet be his focus.

United beat Lyon in dramatic fashion on Thursday night and can now look forward to a semi-final clash against Athletic Club.

Amorim could fire United into the Champions League next season, which would boost United’s transfer window hopes, both in terms of budget and prestige.

United have a big summer ahead with Amorim looking to kickstart a revamp of the Old Trafford squad, and attacking additions will be crucial.

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Manchester United could chase Marcus Rashford swap

Marcus Rashford has impressed Unai Emery having joined Aston Villa on loan from United in January.

It’s difficult to see way back for Rashford under Amorim, and a rather painful permanent exit this summer may be best for all.

Villa may look to sign Rashford on a full-time basis, but United are now interested in a potential swap deal.

The Daily Star report that United are hoping Rashford’s one form will open up the prospect of a Watkins exchange.

Rashford was notably selected ahead of Watkins to lead the Villa attack against Paris Saint-Germain in midweek.

That has potentially given United a glimmer of hope over a move for Watkins, who has hit 15 goals and seven assists in 33 Premier League games this season.

As reported by Fabrizio Romano, Villa rejected a £60million bid from Arsenal for Watkins in January.

Villa can sign Rashford for £40million this summer, but United offering cash plus Rashford for Watkins may just help Villa in terms of the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules.

United have targeted Ollie Watkins in the past

Links to Watkins perhaps shouldn’t be a huge surprise.

Reports last summer suggested that United were targeting Watkins for a big move, but that didn’t materialise.

United also looked at Watkins in 2023, but decided to splash the cash on Rasmus Hojlund instead.

That investment hasn’t really worked out just yet, and United may be tempted to seek a proven goalscorer to help the Dane – or replace him.

Watkins certainly fits the bill having dazzled in the Premier League, but we can’t imagine Villa will sell him without a fight, even with Rashford on the table.