Newcastle United are expected to spend significantly in the winter transfer window to haul themselves from the relegation zone and one player that might be available to them is Jesse Lingard.
The 28-year-old has been short of playing time at Manchester United this season and had contract talks recently collapse, so a move from Old Trafford looks on the cards in January or July/August.
Lingard’s existing deal with United is up in a matter of months, so the Red Devils risk losing out on a transfer fee if they fail to sell him at the turn of the year.
The England international impressed in last season’s loan spell at West Ham United, scoring nine goals with five assists in 16 Premier League games, so Alex McLeish wouldn’t be surprised if Newcastle could make a move.
In quotes reported by Chronicle Live, he said: “Lingard went to West Ham and the expectation was lifted a wee bit from his shoulders. Those expectations were of him being a Man United player. He showed the form that we’ve seen when he got his England caps.
“I think the guy’s got to be playing. He’s got to be playing every week in order to fulfil his career. It wouldn’t surprise me if Newcastle made a move for him. It’s not too far away at all. He’s certainly capable. I think that pressure, knowing what he did at West Ham, reinforces his belief in himself.”
Lingard has made a total of 218 appearances for Man Utd, scoring 35 goals with 21 assists, but he’s hardly featured this campaign. The 28-year-old has amassed 154 minutes of football across the board, so his outstanding stint at West Ham has been ignored by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Newcastle have the resources to match Lingard’s asking price and wage demands, so time will tell if they make a move.
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