Man United transfer news: Marcus Rashford asking price 'set to increase' ahead of summer window

Having failed to impress Ruben Amorim upon the Portuguese's arrival as head coach, the long-serving attacker was allowed to link up with Aston Villa on loan.

The move is currently working out for all concerned, Rashford having made four starts and five substitute outings with four assists to his name.

Widespread reports have indicated that Villa have the option to sign the 27-year-old for £40m at the end of the season.

Nevertheless, as per Football Insider, United could still plausibly increase the asking price of the England international.

Three Lions call-up to elevate valuation?

Former scout Mick Brown, a regular contributor to the outlet, has suggested that United will look to recoup more than the aforementioned fee should Rashford continue to impress.

Brown said: "Man United are going to demand a high fee for him. Their asking price has increased after he was recalled into the England squad.

"I said when he went to Villa that the move would be a win-win-win situation for the three of them, and I think that has been proven already.

"Villa have benefited from his impressive performances, he's been allowed to show what he can do, and now Man United can benefit from his sale.

"It looked like they'd have to sell him on the cheap, but his value has only gone up. With the interest from Villa and from abroad, and a place in the England squad showing how highly-rated he is, it will allow them to drive up his asking price."

How could such a situation materialise?

Providing that the previous reports are true, Villa remain as the frontrunners to sign Rashford for £40m, a fee that will still be viewed as a success from a United standpoint.

However, Villa may only push through such a deal if they earn European football for next season, particularly the Champions League.

That said, given that £64m was raised through the departure of Jhon Duran to Al-Nassr, Villa realistically have some leeway when it comes to conducting business in the short term.

The worry from a supporters' perspective will be the constant issues that Villa have experienced with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability regulations, Unai Emery having to constantly wheel and deal in an effort to keep progressing the club.

Written by

Darren Plant