Newcastle United have been linked with a move for Manchester United attacker Marcus Rashford.
The England international announced his intention to leave the club he’s spent nearly 20 years with earlier in December.
Newcastle want to sign a striker, winger and goalkeeper in January – Rashford would fit the bill. Alexander Isak has been in fine form so far this season but there is a lack of quality to replace him if needed.
Summer signing William Osula is struggling to break into the starting XI due to Isak’s form and Callum Wilson suffered another injury setback – there is space for Rashford to make an impact at Newcastle should he join.
The 27-year-old can also play on the wing, meaning there would be more depth on the right side of attack. Miguel Almiron could leave in January so there will be a vacant spot on Newcastle’s first-team squad for Rashford to slot on.
Now, a recent report has provided a suggestion on what Newcastle could do regarding Rashford in January.
Newcastle unlikely to blow FFP budget on Marcus Rashford
Recent reports suggested Rashford would cost Newcastle around £40million in January, less than the likes of Johan Bakayoko and Bryan Mbeumo who have been linked with moves to Tyneside in recent weeks.
However, according to Mark Douglas of the i, it is unlikely that Newcastle will blow a large portion of their budget to sign Rashford. The report also suggests Arsenal are interested in the 27-year-old but they feel the same way.
Rashford returned to Man United’s squad for the first time since early December but Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim decided not to use him as they were beaten 2-0 by the Magpies.
Because of the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules, Douglas believes a domestic move is much more difficult for Rashford. While Rashford is eager to stay in Europe, he may opt for a move to the Saudi Pro League.
Newcastle will keep their priorities elsewhere with sporting director Paul Mitchell more keen on recruiting younger prospects from overseas to save money and hopefully generate a profit in the future.
PSR is still a problem for Newcastle
Even after Newcastle sold Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh in the summer, the club were only just ahead of PSR.
The Magpies avoided a points deduction through the sales but the thought is that Newcastle will once again need to sell before they can buy. There are several players who could leave the club in January to fund signings.
Sean Longstaff’s exit looms even after he signed a contract extension and Martin Dubravka could also leave the Saudi Pro League in January despite keeping four consecutive clean sheets in the Premier League since coming in for the injured Nick Pope.
Elsewhere, Jamaal Lascelles had interest from Wolves earlier in the season but he is still yet to return from an ACL injury sustained in March so a move away in January would be unlikely.
Fans want the upcoming window to be busy but Mitchell needs to work on the outgoings to ensure there will be inbound players.
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