Newcastle United are reportedly ready to offer Marcus Rashford a lifeline back into the Champions League. The Manchester United striker’s days at Old Trafford seem numbered, but his options are limited. Barcelona was believed to be Rashford’s preferred choice, but the Spanish giants have been scouting other players. Nico Williams and Luis Diaz are top of their list, with the Athletic Club star appearing to be the frontrunner at present.
Rashford shone during his loan spell at Aston Villa in the latter half of the previous season. However, a return to Villa Park seems improbable after Unai Emery’s team narrowly missed out on Champions League qualification on the season’s final day. It was Newcastle who clinched the Premier League’s last Champions League place, edging out Villa on goal difference.
Now, according to The Sun, the Magpies might be the ones to give Rashford another crack at European football. However, things may not be entirely straightforward. Newcastle are seeking a season-long loan deal, while his current club would favour a permanent transfer after reaching an agreement to part ways this summer.
During his time at Villa, Rashford netted four goals in 17 appearances and provided six assists. Two of those goals were scored in the Premier League as Emery’s side pushed for a top-five finish, but he was sidelined for the final few matches of the season due to a hamstring injury.
“Just a message of thanks to everyone here at Villa for what has ( injury aside) been an incredible few months for me,” he penned on Instagram following the season’s final weekend. “It is a really special club and I appreciated the way Villa fans embraced me with open arms from 1st minute on the pitch.
“Manager, team, and coaching staff have all been brilliant. I know it is a huge disappointment not to have made the Champions League place which everyone worked so hard all season for but I know this club and team will come back stronger.”
Rashford, who is contracted to United until 2028, is not anticipated to stay at the club. In December, when he last played for his childhood club, he expressed a longing for a new challenge.
“For me, personally, I think I’m ready for a new challenge and the next steps,” the England star told journalist Henry Winter. “When I leave it’s going to be ‘no hard feelings’. You’re not going to have any negative comments from me about Manchester United. That’s me as a person.
“If I know that a situation is already bad I’m not going to make it worse. I’e seen how other players have left in the past and I don’t want to be that person. When I leave I’ll make a statement and it will be from me.”
Content Source: www.express.co.uk