Pete O'Rourke rates Newcastle's chances of signing Marcus Rashford in 'ambitious' Man United raid

Marcus Rashford is on Newcastle United‘s radar but they will find it tough to agree a deal with Man United this summer due to the finances involved.

Rashford has spent this season on loan at Barcelona and looks unlikely to return to Man United to be a part of their first-team plans for next term.

The 28-year-old would prefer to stay with the Catalan giants for at least another campaign, but they are undecided over whether to trigger the £26million buy clause in his loan deal.

Newcastle are keen on signing Rashford, as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, but they will face a tough task in agreeing a deal this summer.

Eddie Howe’s side have faltered in the Premier League over the last few months, so Newcastle’s transfer plans will have to be drawn up without Champions League football as a selling point to summer targets.

Newcastle face numerous stumbling blocks in Marcus Rashford move

Rashford has registered 12 goals and 10 assists in 44 appearances across all competitions this season, helping Barca on their way to a potential second successive La Liga title.

He could force his way into their plans for next season in Lamine Yamal’s absence over the coming weeks, with Newcastle seeming unlikely to seal his signature for numerous reasons.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “I don’t see that happening at all really. It would be a very ambitious move from Newcastle if they were to try sign Marcus Rashford.

“Newcastle would really struggle to be able to pay the wages, so again that’s another stumbling block for any potential deal for them.

“I don’t see Newcastle being in for Rashford because of the cost of any potential deal as well. I don’t think Rashford’s got any interest in moving to Newcastle either.”

Newcastle want to sign Jan Paul van Hecke this summer

Newcastle will have to focus their attention on more realistic signings as they potentially prepare for a season without any European football, let alone Champions League action.

Sources have exclusively told Football Insider that the Magpies are interested in Brighton’s Van Hecke as they look to bolster their centre-back options for next season.

The 25-year-old is attracting attention from several top Premier League sides after another impressive campaign for the Seagulls.

His current Brighton contract is set to expire in 2027, and he is unlikely to sign a new deal at this moment in time despite their efforts to tie him down long-term.

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