Man United make late £45m transfer decision as Marcus Rashford 'personal request' granted

The clock is ticking down for Manchester United to complete their January transfer business. Ruben Amorim's side are yet to make a single first-team signing so far this month.

Patrick Dorgu is closing in on a £30million move from Lecce but the 20-year-old was involved in the squad for their 3-1 win over Parma on Friday. However, Dorgu was named on the bench and remained as an unused substitute. Reports have suggested that he is set to travel to Manchester over the weekend to undergo a medical.

While United could sign more players before Monday's 11pm deadline, there might be a focus on selling first. Marcus Rashford is the focus of transfer speculation with Barcelona his preferred destination. However, Aston Villa have now entered the race to sign the United forward, who is out-of-favour at Old Trafford.

With this in mind, the Manchester Evening News takes a look at the latest transfer rumours from Old Trafford....

Unai Emery made a personal request for Villa to pursue a move for Rashford from Manchester United, according to The Athletic. The 27-year-old's future is uncertain after expressing his desire to leave United and missing the last 12 matches under Amorim.

Rashford's preference is a 'dream' move to Barcelona or stay at United until the end of the season, but Villa want to sign him on loan. And Emery has appeared to spearhead a potential move for Rashford, with the Spaniard keen to add him to his squad after losing Jhon Duran to Al-Nassr.

MEN says: This is a move that could work out for the best. Unai Emery has a track record of improving players, especially at Aston Villa, and a move to the West Midlands might do Rashford the world of good.

The England international does need a fresh start to resurrect