‘Newcastle accelerating Marcus Rashford move – Man United will pay his wages’
Newcastle United are interested in signing Marcus Rashford on a season-long loan deal if Man United are unable to move him on permanently.
That is according to former Man United and Sunderland chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that United are struggling to attract permanent suitors for the 27-year-old.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider in May that Rashford is prepared to leave United on loan again after his short-term spell at Aston Villa.
Eddie Howe is keen to strengthen his attacking options ahead of their return to the Champions League and values the forward’s ability to play both wide and as a striker.
However, his lofty wages are believed to be a concern and Man United will have to cover a large percentage to facilitate a deal, even on a season-long basis.
Former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson told Football Insider on 22 June that Newcastle could pay £20million per year for Rashford if he does not take a pay cut.
Newcastle eye Marcus Rashford swoop amid pay cut claim
Brown told Football Insider last month that Rashford could take a pay cut to leave Old Trafford, with Barcelona his preferred destination as things stand.
Now, the former scout who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has insisted Newcastle are keeping a close eye on the situation in case an opportunity arises.
“Newcastle have been keeping a close eye on Rashford,” he told Football Insider.
“He would be a good addition to Eddie Howe’s squad because he can play out wide and through the middle, both areas they’re looking to strengthen.
“They’re prepared to take a chance on Rashford, but they don’t want to pay mega money for it.
“I don’t doubt he’d be interested too, because he can play Champions League football there.
“He’s going to be an option for them, but only if they can get him on loan.
“They’ll have to wait and see what happens because United ideally would like to move him on permanently, but I’m not sure there are many suitors.
“He’s got to make a decision with his wages because that’s what the problem is.
“A loan move to Newcastle, similar to the Villa one, would have United paying a percentage of that.
“So it’s something that works for them, but isn’t the best situation for United.”
Jack Grealish update emerges at St James’ Park
Alongside their interest in Rashford, Newcastle are also considering a move to sign out-of-favour Man City star Jack Grealish this summer.
Brown told Football Insider on 22 June that Newcastle are keeping an eye on Grealish’s situation in case they are given encouragement they can complete a deal.
However, the Magpies will pursue other priority targets before making a move for the England international which could see them miss out as rival interest builds.
This comes after Football Insider exclusively revealed that Grealish favours a move to Everton this summer as he would be promised a regular starting place.
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