'Rashford wants Champions League - Villa still fighting for it'
BBC's chief football news reporter Simon Stone has been discussing the uncertainty around Marcus Rashford's future on the World Football podcast: "It felt like when Rashford went to Aston Villa that there was no way back and I think nothing that's happened since then gives any indication that the situation has changed."Rashford is on a huge amount of money. When he went to Aston Villa, Manchester United agreed to pay part of his salary. The difficulty is how do you do a deal like that early in the summer."I don't think either Rashford or the people around Rashford are wanting to get involved in a swap deal scenario at all. They are massively complicated."Rashford is playing a lot better, he looks a different player and he wants to play in the Champions League, but he doesn't want to be in London, so that rules out Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham."Spain and Italy are probably the most likely but Aston Villa are still fighting. They have not got the worst run-in, so it's not completely out of the question that they could get one of those five Champions League slots."Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds
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Daily Mirror
40 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Man Utd discover price tag for Ruben Amorim target ahead of looming deadline
Manchester United's busy summer transfer window is continuing, with boss Ruben Amorim now turning his attention to adding more defenders to his Red Devils squad Italian club Udinese want £30m-plus for in-demand defender Oumar Solet. Manchester United have been tracking the 25-year-old who has made a huge impression since making his Serie A debut in January. Juventus have joined the likes of West Ham, Inter Milan and Napoli who are also watching developments on the French defender who graduated from Lyon's academy. Solet signed a pre-contract with Udinese last year. But the 25-year-old could only play for the Italian side from January 1 after leaving RB Salzburg. Napoli and Lens both tried to sign him but Udinese beat them to it. They made a solid start to the campaign with Solet getting good reviews. Udinese could cash in this summer but it will take a big price - although it could end up being good value if he carries on his trajectory. The 6ft 4in centre half has represented France from under-17s to under-20 level but is also eligible for the Ivory Coast through his family heritage. Solet's contract lasts until the summer of 2027. But he is rapidly emerging as a big prospect attracting major interest from Premier League clubs. But if they want to complete a deal in the first phase of the window, suitors will have to be quick with the window temporarily closing on Tuesday (June 10) at 7pm. The window will then reopen next Monday (June 16), where it will remain so until September. Solet describes himself as being a versatile defender, able to play in several roles across the backline. Interestingly, he also speaks three languages, which can be useful given the international look of many modern dressing rooms. 'I can play in any role in the centre of defence, including in a three-man rearguard. I've been able to watch many Udinese matches since being here. Coming to Italy and joining a club like Udinese is a big step forward for me," he said at his Udinese unveiling. "I want to accomplish great things with the team. I aim to be leader on the pitch that I know I can be and to help the club to the best of my ability. I'll give my all to achieve that. 'There's a big difference between the Austrian Bundesliga and Serie A, but I want to adapt quickly. 'Having team-mates who speak your language is always a good thing. I also speak English, some Spanish and I'm learning Italian, so I can communicate with everyone. However, having someone who speaks French is helpful." Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Man Utd transfer news LIVE: United make approach for Viktor Gyokeres, Spurs join Semenyo battle, Mbeumo latest
Defensive reinforcements United have joined a host of clubs looking at Udinese defender Oumar Solet. The Mirror claims that Juventus, West Ham, Inter Milan and Napoli have also been watching the French centre-back this summer. Udinese are thought to want more than £30m for their defender.
Metro
an hour ago
- Metro
Man Utd advised to sign £40m Arsenal target in Marcus Rashford swap deal
Manchester United should try to agree a stunning swap deal with Aston Villa involving Marcus Rashford, according to Old Trafford hero Wes Brown. Rashford spent the second-half of last season on loan at Villa Park and has been linked with a permanent move to the Midlands club. Ruben Amorim sanctioned Rashford's departure from Manchester United and is unlikely to offer the England international an olive branch this summer. Rashford is reportedly 'dreaming' of a move to Barcelona after coming close to joining the La Liga giants during the January transfer window. But the 27-year-old is not against returning to Aston Villa, where he largely impressed and enjoyed playing under Unai Emery. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link so we can send you football news tailored to you. Villa have been told Rashford will cost £40m this summer and the club are currently weighing up a proposal after missing out on Champions League football on the final day of the season. With Aston Villa likely to renew talks with Manchester United, Brown has advised his former club to enquire into the possibility of signing Ollie Watkins as part of the deal. Amorim is determined to sign a new No. 9 this summer and Watkins, who has scored 87 goals in 223 appearances for Villa, could be a cheaper option than Viktor Gyokeres or Benjamin Sesko. Watkins was heavily linked with a move away from Villa Park in January after Arsenal made a surprise £40m bid but the 29-year-old ended up staying put. United were keen to sign Liam Delap before he joined Chelsea for £30m but Brown believes Watkins would be an even better option than the former Ipswich Town forward. 'Manchester United need a striker who has goals and although Liam Delap might not get you 20 just yet, he is a great player and has all the attributes to be a success,' Brown told BoyleSports. 'Personally, having Rasmus Hojlund up front on his own looked very difficult for him, he got a lot of stick and looked to have no back up whatsoever. 'He cannot be left in that position again because it's not fair on him, Chido Obi came in who is another young player, but United have to get a striker this summer. 'Marcus Rashford will be a difficult permanent signing for Aston Villa, as there are contractual obligations and a certain level of money that he wants. 'Therefore, I'm not sure it will be beneficial for Villa to sign Marcus or if it is even a possibility. However, one thing is for sure, Rashford will bring value and talent to any team he is playing for. 'Signing Rashford is a lot easier to say than to actually get done, but if he did sign for Villa, he would be fantastic for them as he has been since January.' Speaking to Metro 'Delap would've been a good player for United, but I'd go for experience. Manchester United need a striker and Ollie Watkins has shown us that he can do that in the Premier League. 'Would Aston Villa swap Watkins for Marcus Rashford? I'm not sure because they still trust Watkins and would need to find a big replacement. 'They would want a striker who can get 20 goals and those are hard to come by. Look at United and how Rasmus Hojlund has struggled, but a striker like Watkins would be perfect for United.' Rashford has made more than 400 appearances for boyhood club Manchester United but a permanent move away from Old Trafford appears to suit all parties. Five-time title winner Brown added: 'Marcus Rashford is going to have to start playing really well wherever he goes, first of all. 'He's done well at Aston Villa, he's got his head back in the game. But he still has two years on his contract at United. More Trending 'If he is looking to move, he would obviously want a big club and Barcelona would be ideal. But it's a lot of money. If the club is looking to get rid of him, they're probably wanting to get paid as well. 'It's not an easy one to sort out, talking from my heart, I think it would be brilliant if Ruben Amorim and Marcus could sort things out. 'When he's on form, it's a player United have really missed. I hope they can sort it out in a way that everybody gets what they want. 'For Marcus personally, he just needs to get his head down and play some football now. Hopefully this gets sorted out sooner rather than later.' For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MORE: Thomas Tuchel names two clubs with 'huge advantage' in next season's Premier League MORE: Chelsea warn AC Milan over Mike Maignan deal as transfer talks drag on MORE: Man Utd, Liverpool and Tottenham battling it out for Bournemouth standout
