Unai Emery could build one of the strongest frontlines that Aston Villa have ever fielded if he can get his hands on Marcus Rashford. The 27-year-old forward has been heavily linked with an exit from Manchester United this month after revealing that he's 'ready for a new challenge'.

Despite fierce competition from some of Europe's biggest clubs, Villa look set to secure Rashford's signature. BirminghamLive understands that Emery's side are close to agreeing a deal to sign the England international on loan.

It's said that the two clubs have made significant progress during negotiations over the last 24 hours, with Rashford open to swapping Old Trafford for Villa Park. The final details still need to be ironed out before Villa can welcome the United ace to Bodymoor Heath, but they're expected to cover a large percentage of his wages – while also offering bonuses.

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It was understood that Rashford preferred a move to Barcelona earlier in the January transfer window, but the Catalan giants have admitted defeat due to their financial situation. So, with that being said, BirminghamLive has looked at how Villa could set up with Rashford in claret and blue.

Rashford thrown in at the deep end

If Villa can wrap up a deal, Emery should throw Rashford straight into the starting lineup – even if it's only for an hour or so. The United ace has world-class quality, and the Spaniard needs to unlock that.

A bold gesture could give Rashford a huge boost to his confidence – and it's not as if he'll have the weight of the world on his shoulders either, with his teammates more than capable of shouldering the workload.

Rogers keeps his place in the side

Morgan Roger should, of course, keep his place in the starting lineup. The 22-year-old midfielder has been superb for Villa this season, scoring six goals and providing four assists in 22 Premier League games.

He likes to operate in the inside-left channel, so Rashford could hug the touchline and make incisive runs in behind. Not only would the United ace stretch the opposition's backline and provide Villa a greater threat on the counter-attack, he could also create more space for Rogers to drive into.

Malen given the chance to shine

Donyell Malen has only recently joined Villa, but he'll be great competition for Leon Bailey on the right. The former Borussia Dortmund winger has struggled for form in the Bundesliga this season, but last term he was excellent.

During the 2023/24 campaign, Malen scored 13 goals and provided three assists in 27 German top-flight games. The Netherlands international could be a serious force to be reckoned with if he can find his feet in the Premier League.

Watkins leads the line with aplomb

It goes without saying that Ollie Watkins should lead the frontline for Villa. The 29-year-old striker has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal recently, but it's clear that Emery wants to keep his talisman.

"Yes, he is happy to stay," said the Spaniard, when quizzed on Watkins' future ahead of Villa's clash against Wolves. "We asked him how he is feeling and he is happy here. The commitment of Watkins is really a huge commitment to defend Aston Villa.

"He appreciates how Aston Villa was always supporting him and helping him. Also, when we joined two years ago, how we always tried to get the best of him."

Maybe Villa should reward Watkins' loyalty with a new long-term deal?

Villa's dream frontline once the January transfer window slams shut on Monday evening: Marcus Rashford (Left Wing); Morgan Rogers (Attacking Midfield); Donyell Malen (Right Wing); Ollie Watkins (Striker).