The Magpies, who secured Champions League qualification last season, believe their attacking setup offers the perfect stage for the 27-year-old England international to rediscover his best form.

Rashford's future at Old Trafford appears bleak after Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim sanctioned his six-month loan to Aston Villa last term. Despite scoring six goals and providing four assists in 17 appearances for Villa, Rashford's hopes of a permanent move to the West Midlands club faded when Unai Emery's side narrowly missed out on Champions League football.

Villa held a 40-million-pound option to buy Rashford but are unlikely to pursue it, with the player prioritising elite European competition.

The Sun reported: "Newcastle are ready to offer the England striker Champions League football following his Aston Villa loan. The Magpies are confident they can provide Rashford with an ideal stage to rebuild his career." The report added that Newcastle favour a loan deal for the 62-cap star, while Manchester United prefer a permanent transfer.

Rashford's impressive displays at Villa Park last season attracted interest from several European clubs, including Barcelona, where sporting director Deco admitted: "We like the player." However, the La Liga giants have shifted focus to Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams and Liverpool's Luis Diaz as their primary left-wing targets, per Spanish outlet Sport.

Rashford's reported 325,000-pound-a-week wages have also posed a challenge, but CaughtOffside claimed he is willing to accept a pay cut to secure a move. "Sources high up in the industry believe he'd now accept a pay cut to seal a move away," the report stated.

Newcastle's interest comes amid speculation surrounding their star striker Alexander Isak, with Liverpool reportedly preparing a significant bid, according to The Telegraph. Manager Eddie Howe sees Rashford as an ideal option to rotate with Isak, offering versatility and pace in attack.

Howe previously praised Rashford's potential, saying in 2023: "He's a player with incredible attributes. When he's at his best, he's unstoppable."

Recent updates on X from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano clarified Manchester United's stance on Rashford's future. Romano posted on June 18: "Man United's priority is to sell Jadon Sancho permanently before considering loan exits for other players. Rashford's situation remains open, with interest from multiple clubs."

No direct confirmation from Newcastle or Rashford appeared on X.

While Rashford's "dream" move to Barcelona, as reported by The Mirror, seems unlikely, Newcastle's ambitious project and Champions League football could tempt the forward. With his contract running until 2028, Manchester United hold a strong negotiating position but appear keen to resolve his future swiftly.

For Newcastle, landing Rashford would signal their intent to compete at the highest level, both domestically and in Europe.

Kennedy Mweene: From goalkeeper to coach at Mamelodi Sundowns