Newcastle United's hopes of qualifying for next season's Champions League are not just dependent on what they do, but also how their rivals fare in the last four months of the season. The Magpies sit in fifth spot heading into a tough run of fixtures this month.

Eddie Howe's side achieved a top four place two years ago, and enjoyed the fruits of their labour last season with memorable games in Europe's premier club competition. However, they missed out on Europe this season after finishing seventh in the league, being denied on the last day of the season when Manchester United won the FA Cup to bump them out of the Europa League.

This time around, without any distractions, Newcastle are hoping to qualify for Europe again. One of their major threats will be Aston Villa, who enjoyed a similar season to Newcastle last season by qualifying for the Champions League after a fourth-placed finish.

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This time around, Villa sit in eight, just four points behind Newcastle. Unai Emery's men have been juggling both competitions, but saw their hopes of a strong finish dashed somewhat by the exit this week of Jhon Duran, who moved to the Saudi Pro League for an astonishing £71million.

That threatened to leave them struggling for attacking options, especially with Ollie Watkins a target for Arsenal. However, Villa have shown their ambition this month with a swoop for Borussia Dortmund forward Donyell Malen, who had been linked with Newcastle.

And now, in an astonishing move, it looks like they are about to secure the services of Manchester United star Marcus Rashford. Insiders report that negotiations for Rashford to join Villa for the rest of the season are gathering pace, with confidence growing that the transfer will be sealed before the 11pm deadline on Monday.

Villa's interest in Rashford emerged after they sold striker Jhon Duran to Al Nassr for a deal worth up to £71m on Friday. Barcelona had been linked with a move for Rashford, but are reluctant to push through a winter loan for the 27 year old, although they remain interested in a summer deal.

That left Rashford, who has spectacularly fallen out with Old Trafford boss Ruben Amorim, potentially facing a long spell in the wilderness. Earlier this window, Rashford's agents held talks with both Tottenham and West Ham United but with Aston Villa already guaranteed a spot in the Champions League round of 16, Rashford has the chance to experience knockout-stage football for the first time since 2022.

It marks a huge contrast to Newcastle's winter transfer business. Eddie Howe has admitted that the sale of Miguel Almiron has left him light on attacking options, with just Jacob Murphy, Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon fit for today's game against Fulham. Harvey Barnes is still a few weeks away, though Callum Wilson could return next week.

Newcastle have decided against going down the loan route, having been a fan of the system under Dan Ashworth. Lewis Hall and Matt Targett signings were initially loans, before being made permanent.

Howe said: "You have to look at the cost. Everyone has an assumption that a loan deal comes with minimal cost. Loan deals can be just as expensive as a permanent transfer. So you have that and you have the quality of player available on loan. I am not sure they exist."

No one is suggesting that Newcastle should have moved for Rashford, although his ability to play across the frontline is an attraction for many clubs. The Magpies have their own exciting transfer philosophy in play.

But Villa will be hoping the ambitious loan move for Rashford, still only 27 and arguably at an age where he should be at the peak of his powers, will help them beat Newcastle to a Champions League spot at the end of the season.