Newcastle United have reportedly returned with an improved bid to sign Manchester United star Jesse Lingard on a short-term loan deal.
A recent report from Daily Telegraph has offered an update on the future of Jesse Lingard. Newcastle United were keen on snapping up the Manchester United attacker in a permanent deal worth £12 million. However, the player has no intention of committing to a long-term contract and is favouring a short-term loan deal until the end of the season.
Although Newcastle’s subsequent loan offer was knocked back by Manchester United, it appears they have come up with an improved bid to sign the playmaker. The report describes the offer as lucrative enough for Manchester United to reconsider their stance on Lingard, who has endured a difficult season so far.
Despite returning to Old Trafford on the back of 14 goal involvements in just 16 Premier League appearances for West Ham United, Lingard has found it difficult to get regular game-time at Manchester United. He has mustered only 88 minutes of league football, and under the leadership of Ralf Rangnick, the player has only earned one start in all competitions.
Lingard’s struggles at Manchester United have not deterred Newcastle United, who have boosted their creative department by signing attacking full-back Kieran Trippier earlier this month. It appears coach Eddie Howe has now set his sights on a new number ten that can play alongside Allan Saint-Maximin and Joelinton in order to provide adequate service for new signing Chris Wood.
Newcastle United have been linked with a move for Christian Eriksen lately. But the Danish international is likely to join Brentford, forcing Howe to explore other alternatives in the market.
Newcastle United have been in the market for Lingard for quite some time, and one would imagine the Englishman could be an excellent investment given his experience and recent success with West Ham.
However, it remains to be seen whether Manchester United will be keen on offloading Lingard in January amid fears over the club’s lack of depth in the number ten position. Their star player Paul Pogba has struggled with an injury while Donny van de Beek is seemingly falling out of favour, making Lingard the number one alternative for Bruno Fernandes.
So it will be a challenge for Newcastle United to lure Lingard to St. James’ Park in January. And with just over a week remaining before the transfer window slams to a shut, it will be interesting to see how this saga transpires over the coming days.
