Newcastle United are battling a host of clubs for the signing of a "world-class" Premier League player this summer, according to a new transfer claim.

Newcastle narrowing down attacking targets

The Magpies felt too reliant on the goals of Alexander Isak at times last season, so it's no great surprise to see a plethora of attacking stars linked with summer moves to St James' Park.

Bournemouth winger Justin Kluivert has been lined up as an alternative to Bryan Mbeumo, should the Brentford ace join United or Spurs instead, with the Cherries star scoring a hat-trick away to Newcastle in a shock 4-1 win there last season.

The Magpies are also believed to have increased their efforts to complete the signing of Brighton striker Joao Pedro, as they look to add depth in central attacking areas ahead of their return to the Champions League in 2025/26.

When it comes to young, long-term options for Newcastle, RB Leipzig wide man Antonio Nusa has emerged as a target for Eddie Howe's side, with the 20-year-old already bagging 12 goal contributions (five goals and seven assists) in 36 appearances for the Bundesliga outfit. Now, another attacker has been backed to be a potential addition at St James'.

Newcastle battling to sign "world-class" ace

According to a new update from Caught Offside, Newcastle are in the race to sign Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford this summer.

The 27-year-old may be surplus to requirements at Old Trafford, having been loaned out to Aston Villa last season, and the Magpies are battling to snap him up. Villa themselves are keen on a permanent move, while Tottenham, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan and Saudi Pro League clubs are all mentioned as possible suitors, too.

Rashford has reached a key point in his career, in terms of making sure he isn't on a permanent decline and overcoming what has been a disappointing year or two at United.

The Englishman is clearly a massive talent who is capable of match-winning brilliance, though, which is why Luke Shaw has had this to say about his club and international teammate in the past: "He is in a really good way at the moment. Extremely confident, very positive. He is world-class, and he can be one of the best players in the world if he keeps going."

Newcastle have first hand experience of what a menace Rashford can be to play against, with the forward scoring five goals against them, four of which have come in the Premier League.

Granted, there would be some risk involved if the Magpies took a punt on him, considering he hasn't looked like the player of old in recent years, and he would be on big wages, but he could explode with a new challenge, needing to move away from United.