Newcastle now preparing move to sign £40m United star with 20-G/A last season - report

Newcastle United are ready to hand an escape route to Manchester United star Marcus Rashford this summer, according to The Sun.

The England international fell out of favour under manager Ruben Amorim in December last year, and he was subsequently loaned out to Aston Villa in January with an option to buy.

Rashford had a good stint with the Villans, registering four goals and six assists from 10 appearances before suffering a season-ending hamstring injury.

Villa have decided against triggering the £40 million buy clause due to his hefty £325,000 per week salary.

Rashford also appears keen on returning to the Champions League. Villa failed to qualify for the competition after missing out on a top-five league finish.

The Sun now report that the Magpies are ready to pursue a year-long loan deal for the 27-year-old, though United would prefer a permanent transfer.

Barcelona are Rashford’s dream destination, but there has been no formal move from them.

Newcastle consider Rashford as a striker who could be rotated with Alexander Isak next term. The latter sustained some minor injuries during the past season.

Rashford likely to leave United on loan again

The Red Devils graduate had a mixed campaign by his high standards last season. Despite this, he scored 11 goals and provided nine assists from 41 games at club level (20 goal contributions).

It appears unlikely that he will be reintegrated into the United squad. The club have signed Matheus Cunha and are actively exploring a deal for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo to reinforce the attack.

Alejandro Garnacho and Antony are poised to depart, and Rashford could follow them through the exit door. With his hefty wages, a loan exit seems the most likely solution for United.

As things stand, the £40 million-rated star seems unlikely to accept a pay cut. According to BBC Sport, Villa paid 75 percent of the winger’s wages for his loan stint. No fee was involved.

Newcastle could agree to a similar wage share with a loan fee, but the big question is whether United would negotiate with a direct rival for the Champions League places next term.

The Red Devils may ideally prefer to loan out or sell Rashford to an overseas club.

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Article written by Sri Aswin .