Manchester United attacker Marcus Rashford could supposedly be offered a surprise escape route from Old Trafford if he does not sign for Aston Villa permanently this summer.
The Red Devils loanee has made a positive impression since joining Unai Emery's side from Man United in January, coming up with three goals and five assists from his first 14 appearances.
Rashford could potentially end the season with two slices of silverware, as Villa are in the semi-finals of the FA Cup and are not yet down and out against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League quarter-finals, despite a 3-1 first-leg loss.
Rashford - who is expected to start Tuesday's return fixture at Villa Park - could sign for Emery's team in a permanent £40m deal this summer, but the Lions are undecided on whether to trigger the clause.
Should the 27-year-old see his time at Villa Park come to an end, he would apparently hold showdown talks with head coach Ruben Amorim, who froze him out of the squad after he revealed his desire to leave.
Rashford could end up being a part of Man United's pre-season tour to the USA if he and Amorim can bury the hatchet, but he is not expected to reignite his competitive career at the Theatre of Dreams and should be let go for the right price.
Crystal Palace plotting 'sensational swoop' for Rashford
© Imago
If Villa ultimately pass up their permanent option, The Sun claims that Crystal Palace - whom the Lions will face in the FA Cup semis on April 26 - could throw their hat into the ring with a 'sensational swoop'.
The report states that Palace chiefs are running the rule over Rashford's performances in the West Midlands, and they would be interested in holding talks with the player should he become available.
"Palace are keeping a very close eye on Rashford and what happens with Villa and United," a source allegedly told the publication.
"There is a good buzz around the club at the moment and someone like Marcus is exactly the kind of player they would love to attract. They know they would have to keep onto their better players to try and persuade Marcus to move to South London."
Palace might face incredibly stiff competition from Paris Saint-Germain to lure Rashford away from Old Trafford, though, as it has been claimed that his camp are 'in talks' with the reigning Ligue 1 champions.
The England international has registered 138 goals and 75 assists in 426 appearances for the Red Devils in all tournaments, and he still has three years left to run on his deal at Old Trafford.
Palace's Rashford interest could lead to audacious swap deal
© Imago
As Amorim seeks to do away with attackers who do not fit into his 3-4-3 system - such as Rashford - the United boss has allegedly identified Palace's Eberechi Eze as a 'serious' target for the summer window.
With Palace keen on Rashford and United keen on Eze, the door could swing open for an audacious part-exchange deal this summer, which would hugely benefit Man United in their current financial state.
The Red Devils may have to pay around £20m on top of Rashford given that Palace apparently value Eze at around £60m, but if the Eagles resign themselves to losing the playmaker, that transaction is one where everyone wins.
However, Man United could be forced to fend off interest from Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur to win the race for Eze, and the Citizens' greater chance of securing Champions League football next term could put them at the head of the queue.
Ben Knapton
