Aston Villa offer Man United transfer lifeline as Jadon Sancho deal unlocks Marcus Rashford possibility

Aston Villa have already come to Manchester United's rescue once this year.

When the Reds were trying to offload Marcus Rashford in January, Villa came in for the forward and he moved on loan to the Midlands for the second half of the season.

Rashford showed glimpses of rediscovering his best form during a productive spell which included four goals and five assists.

United are keen to sell Rashford in the summer and while it seems unlikely that he will join Villa permanently, Unai Emery's side have been linked with a move for another Old Trafford outcast in Jadon Sancho.

The 25-year-old spent last season on loan at Chelsea and scored in the Europa Conference League final win over Real Betis as he ended the campaign with a major trophy while also helping the Blues earn a top four finish and a place in next season's Champions League.

But Chelsea opted against taking their £25million buy option on the England international, with the move stalling over personal terms, and paid a £5m fee to return him to United.

It means they will be seeking a fresh buyer for Sancho this summer with his contract up at the end of next season.

United are keen to sell Sancho rather than loan him out given he can walk away for free in 12 months time. A loan could be an option if a club was prepared to cover most of Sancho's wages and pay a loan fee.

Villa are seeking to strengthen in attack after Rashford and fellow loanee Marco Asencio returned to their parent clubs.

If the Midlanders are able to strike a deal with United for Sancho, it would allow the Reds to cash in on an unwanted asset and bolster their transfer kitty for what is expected to be a busy summer at Old Trafford.

United have already agreed a £62.5million deal with Wolves