Newcastle make Marcus Rashford transfer decision as £140m triple swoop eyed

Newcastle have no plans to sign Marcus Rashford, instead prioritising a former Manchester United team-mate of his. Rashford, 27, is searching for a new club as his time at Old Trafford appears to be up.

The England international was sent on loan to Aston Villa in January, with United manager Ruben Amorim making it clear that he was no longer part of his plans. Rashford scored four goals and registered five assists in 17 appearances for Villa, who weren't convinced him enough to trigger their £40million option to buy him permanently.

That's still the amount which United are holding out for, with Rashford expected to return for pre-season training next month if no buyer is found. The forward's preference is to join Barcelona, even sending a come-get-me-plea last week.

His brother and agent, Dwaine Maynard, was previously spotted meeting Barca sporting director Deco in Catalunya. Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has also described Rashford as a 'fantastic player'.

But the La Liga champions are unlikely to cough up United's asking price, as they're currently prioritising the £50m signing of Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao. In light of Barcelona's stance, Newcastle emerged as alternative destination - although that, too, now looks like a dead end for the 27-year-old.

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The Sun report that Rashford isn't on Newcastle's list of targets. Magpies boss Eddie Howe wants to bolster his attack this summer, as they prepare to return to the Champions League.

But Howe wants to sign ex-United winger Anthony Elanga, now of Nottingham Forest, as well as Brighton striker Joao Pedro. Their arrivals would part of a triple transfer swoop including Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford.

Bournemouth wide man Antoine Semenyo and Villa's Jacob Ramsey are also on the Magpies' radar unlike Rashford. The United outcast will be hoping that Barca can find a way of signing him amid their precarious financial position.

Should Newcastle have targeted Marcus Rashford? Have your say in the comments section.

While on holiday in Marbella, Rashford was asked by Spanish YouTube channel whether he wants to play alongside Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal. "Yeah, sure. Everybody in the world wants to play with the best," he replied. "So hopefully, we'll see."

Rashford also enjoys life in Spain, adding: "Spain is nice, it's not too far from home. If I'm training over a long period, my family can come for a few days, it's a nice location and good weather."

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