"Would be amazing" - Ian Wright tells Newcastle to sign £40m forward - No chance?

Ian Wright has encouraged Newcastle United to make a move for a £40m forward as the Toon prepare for a big summer.

Significant investment is expected to be made by sporting director Paul Mitchell and head of recruitment Steve Nickson, but we’re not so sure about the direction that Wrighty is pushing the narrative toward.

A forward who can play across the front line makes sense, one who can push to start on the wing and be an option to play down the middle to rotate with Alexander Isak, but there are a few sticking points to consider with the latest suggestion…

Newcastle urged to pounce on £40m deal

Newcastle have been urged to make a move for Marcus Rashford after the 27-year-old has begun to refind some form at Aston Villa.

Speaking on the Ringer FC podcast, Ian Wright backed Newcastle to make a move for the Manchester United loanee who is thought to be available for £40m based on the option to buy included in his move to Villa Park:

“It’s the kind of signing Newcastle should be making", Wright said when discussing his next move.

“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.”

However, we’re not convinced by the idea of Rashford signing for Newcastle and it feels a bit of a knee jerk reaction by the Arsenal legend to a redemption story stemming around the Mancunian after a lacklustre few seasons at his boyhood club.

A move we can't see Howe making

It’s not a move that would align with the typical Eddie Howe signing and it’s one that may upset the squad balance.

Rashford would command huge wages. The 27-year-old is currently paid approximately £300,000 per week at Manchester United, around double our current highest earner - though that may be subject to change with Alexander Isak entering contract negotiations this summer.

As mentioned earlier, a winger that can in turn compete with Isak down the middle would be ideal recruitment this summer - but it’s one to start on the right side of the front three, not the left where we are already well-stacked that would be required.

Finally, the forward would arrive with a questionable attitude following disputes with several managers during his time with the Red Devils. Rashford has been seen not fulfilling his defensive duties, lazily roaming around or meandering back, on several occasions. Not a perfect fit for the Howe system.

Would you like to see Rashford in black-and-white? We can’t see it, but let us know your thoughts below!