Marcus Rashford has agreed personal terms with Aston Villa as he nears an exit from Manchester United.

In a dramatic turn of events, Rashford now looks set to remain in England and join Unai Emery's side on loan for the remainder of the season. Rashford has been frozen out of Ruben Amorim's squad since mid-December and subsequently announced his intention to pursue a 'new challenge.'

A move to one of Europe's other top leagues seemed most likely with AC Milan, Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund all heavily linked with the 27-year-old. However, his £325,000-a-week wages appeared to be a stumbling block in a transfer materialising before this week's developments.

READ MORE: Marcus Rashford stance on Aston Villa transfer, Man United loan exit and buy option clause

READ MORE: Next Manchester United transfer after Marcus Rashford move given green light

Here, the Manchester Evening News has taken a look at the latest developments.

Major breakthrough

Manchester United and Aston Villa have agreed terms in principle for the loan transfer of Marcus Rashford until the end of the season. Sources have confirmed to the Manchester Evening News that Villa have agreed to pay a loan fee and will cover the majority of Rashford's £325,000 weekly salary. Villa also have an option to buy the forward in the summer.

After selling Jhon Duran to Al-Nassr for £64million, Villa came calling and are set to welcome Rashford soon. The MEN revealed on Saturday morning that Rashford was closing in on a temporary move to Villa Park.

The Daily Mail reports the striker has already said his goodbyes to teammates and staff at Carrington.

Rashford's stance

MEN understands that Rashford was also happy to accept Villa's offer as he will not have to relocate and can commute to the club's Bodymoor Heath training ground.

The England striker was also reportedly attracted by Villa's project and the prospect of playing in the Champions League, according to Fabrizio Romano. Emery's side qualified for the last-16 of the competition after finishing eighth in the standings.

They will either play the winners of Club Brugge v Atalanta or Sporting v Borussia Dortmund with the two-legged ties set to take place in March.

Permanent transfer

The inclusion of a purchase option has been part of the negotiations. Sources say Villa have agreed to pay a loan fee and will cover the majority of Rashford's £325,000 weekly salary.

Villa also have an option to buy the forward in the summer.

Ruben Amorim comments

Amorim has spoken a number of times about Rashford's omission from the United squad. "The situation is the same for every player and the last time I talked about that in the last game my sentence was that I will not put any player that doesn't give the maximum," Amorim explained.

"I didn't say I will not put Marcus Rashford so it's the same situation. When I feel that it's the right moment, I will put any player to play. We are a better team with Rashford and that is clear. He's a big talent but until the right moment I will not change my mind, that's all and it's always the same answer."

Last week, the Portuguese head coach said he would rather play his 63-year-old goalkeeping coach, Jorge Vital, than Rashford or any other player that does not give his "maximum" in training.