Newcastle United are reportedly set to abandon their January pursuit of Manchester United playmaker Jesse Lingard.
A recent report from The Athletic has offered an update on the future of Jesse Lingard. The Manchester United star was a top target for multiple clubs in England, including Newcastle United. It appears the player has opted against a potential January exit from Old Trafford and looks set for an extended stay at the club.
It has thrown off his suitors like Newcastle, who are unlikely to make a move for the English attacker. It could be a major blow for Eddie Howe’s side, desperate for attacking reinforcements in the upcoming January transfer window.
Lingard hasn’t had the best season at Manchester United, having featured in just 87 minutes of league football this term. He has fallen behind the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Paul Pogba and even Donny van de Beek in the pecking order.
But despite his struggles, the Englishman is keen on remaining at Old Trafford, at least until his contract expires at the end of the season. His decision comes in the aftermath of Manchester United’s sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and the subsequent appointment of Ralf Rangnick.
The German tactician has a reputation for being open-minded and willing to provide opportunities to players that fit his system. Thanks to his direct style of play and the ability to create chances in the final third, Lingard could prove to be an ideal fit for his tactical philosophy at Manchester United.
Although the player has featured in just one game under Rangnick, we are only at the halfway point of the campaign. There are also uncertainties over the future of some of the star players in the team, including Anthony Martial. The Frenchman is a reported target for Barcelona, among many other clubs across Europe.
Martial’s departure could potentially pave the way for Lingard to earn a more prominent role in the Manchester United first team. At the same time, it rules out a potential move to Newcastle United, with recent suggestions pointing towards his eagerness to fight for his place in the second half of the season.
The Magpies have no shortage of alternatives, though. In addition to Lingard, they are in contention to sign Real Madrid outcast Isco while Olympique Lyon’s Lucas Paqueta is another option, as Eddie Howe continues to scour the market for attacking reinforcements.
