Newcastle and West Ham are reportedly making a final push to try and sign Manchester United star Jesse Lingard on the transfer deadline day.
According to Sky Sports, Manchester United star, Jesse Lingard could still be on the move in the January transfer window, as Newcastle United and West Ham United are making a late deadline day push for the attacking midfielder.
Lingard has hardly seen regular minutes at Manchester United since 2020, which led to him leaving on loan for West Ham in January last year. The 29-year-old enjoyed immense success at the London Stadium in the second half of the 2020/21 campaign before returning to Old Trafford.
Despite the Hammers’ efforts to sign him permanently, Manchester United decided to keep hold of the England international but have rarely used him. The midfielder was hardly called upon by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the early parts of the campaign, with his situation barely improving after Ralf Rangnick took over the reins following the Norwegian’s sacking.
Lingard has featured just 14 times across all competitions this season, while he has not started a single Premier League game thus far. It is clear that the 29-year-old academy graduate is not a key part of the plans at Old Trafford. However, the Red Devils have appeared reluctant to let him leave in the ongoing transfer window despite the prospect of losing him for free in the summer, with his contract expiring.
But, Lingard is seemingly keen on securing an exit on the transfer deadline day and has informed Rangnick of his wishes in a meeting on Monday, reports the ever-reliable Fabrizio Romano. And Newcastle are still interested in signing him while West Ham United are also back in the fray to land the 29-year-old Englishman.
Newcastle have had an eventful transfer window that could end with a bang as some deadline day signings are on the horizon. A deal for Hugo Ekitike is in place, while Matt Targett is also expected to join on loan imminently. However, Eddie Howe remains keen on adding more quality to his roster as he looks to push away from the relegation zone, with Lingard emerging as a target.
Earlier reports had indicated that Lingard was also pushing for a move to St. James’ Park, but that could change if West Ham make a play for his signing. The 29-year-old had a great spell with David Moyes’ side last year and a chance to rekindle his career in familiar surroundings ahead of the FIFA World Cup later this year.
With the Hammers still alive in three competitions, quality depth in the roster will be key and adding Lingard would provide them with just that. But with not much time left for the transfer window to slam shut, both Newcastle and West Ham will have to ramp up their efforts to conclude a deal for the Manchester United ace.
