Newcastle emerge as shock Marcus Rashford suitors as Champions League qualifiers aim to secure loan deal for Manchester United outcast

With Rashford’s career at a crossroads, the Magpies believe they can offer the ideal environment for the England international to rediscover his best form, as reported by The Sun. Although the 27-year-old attacker is understood to favour a switch to Barcelona, the Catalan giants have not yet made any concrete approach to secure his services. That lack of commitment has opened the door for Newcastle to position themselves as a viable and attractive alternative.

Newcastle are prepared to offer Rashford a temporary move that would see him return to the Champions League stage, a key motivation for the player as he looks to reignite his ambitions at the highest level. Eddie Howe reportedly has no intention of replacing star striker Alexander Isak, who has been linked with a big-money move to Arsenal. Instead, Rashford is seen as an ideal candidate to provide attacking depth and flexibility in a season that will demand squad rotation, especially with European commitments on the horizon.

Despite Newcastle's interest in a season-long loan, United are said to favour a permanent solution for Rashford, who is under contract until 2028. The club have placed a £40m ($54 million) price tag on the forward, though there is currently little interest at that valuation.

Rashford spent the latter half of the previous season on loan at Aston Villa after falling completely out of favour at United. Under Unai Emery, Rashford showed glimpses of the form that once made him a rising star, tallying four goals and six assists across 17 appearances. While it wasn’t enough to fully restore his reputation, it did demonstrate that the forward still possesses the tools to contribute in the English top flight.

United have already completed the signing of Matheus Cunha in a high-profile deal and are currently locked in negotiations for Brentford winger Bryan Mbeumo. With Ruben Amorim planning a major squad overhaul, the sale of several fringe players, including Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Antony, is seen as crucial to raising the necessary funds. However, the lack of interest at the £40m asking price for Rashford complicates matters.