Arsenal legend Ian Wright believes that Newcastle should consider making a move for Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford at the end of the season.

The England international is currently on loan at Aston Villa, who have the option to buy the player for £40m, but Wright says the Magpies should get involved if he becomes available this summer:

“It’s the kind of signing Newcastle should be making. That would be amazing. That would be dangerous. Rashford at Newcastle? Yeah. That would be really good. I really like that for Rashford. Rashford at Newcastle can be dangerous.”

Manchester United are expected to sell Rashford to another team if Villa opt against activating their purchase clause. However, Wright’s comments about St James’ Park being the perfect destination for the player are questionable.

Newcastle have strength in depth on the left wing

Rashford’s best position is undoubtedly on the left-hand side of a front three, and that isn’t an area where manager Eddie Howe is short of options.

There is actually healthy competition between Harvey Barnes and Anthony Gordon for that role. It is the opposite flank where reinforcements are required.

Who will the club target if they don’t pursue Rashford?

Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo remains high up the list of options for the Magpies but he is likely to be very expensive. In January, the club were reportedly quoted a fee of around £60m when they made an approach.

Younger targets may be looked at too. Como’s Assane Diao and Southampton’s Tyler Dibling have been linked in recent weeks, although neither is expected to be available on the cheap.

Diao only moved to Italy in January and his manager Cesc Fabregas has recently said that he could cost more than €40m (£34m). Dibling’s asking price, meanwhile, is thought to be as high as £100m, although Southampton’s relegation should reduce that figure significantly.

Find out who is in Newcastle United’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here