Noel Whelan has asked Newcastle United to go all out to sign Manchester United ace Jesse Lingard, who could help them fight the relegation battle.
Jesse Lingard must be wondering if he made the wrong choice in the summer by choosing to stay put at Manchester United under the pretext of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s unfulfilled promises. He had the option of permanently joining West Ham United, who were chasing him relentlessly throughout the window.
As we approach January, Lingard is in the news again as a move away from Manchester United seems imminent. He has not been afforded much game time this season and is frustrated as a result, especially after losing his place in the England squad.
Having harboured dreams of playing at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Lingard knows featuring regularly at club level will boost his chances of making the cut into Gareth Southgate’s squad. West Ham are again linked with a cut-price move for the attacking midfielder.
However, Newcastle United are also reportedly in the hunt. The mega-rich Magpies are prepared to offer Lingard a bumper deal to lure him away. However, Newcastle’s status as the favourites to be relegated from the Premier League may not make them an appealing destination.
Lingard might be open to the idea of joining Newcastle on a loan deal until the end of the season. This could allow him to play regularly and probably help them evade relegation. However, the Manchester United ace could then choose to evaluate offers that may come at the end of the campaign.
Noel Whelan insists Newcastle should go all out in their quest to sign the Manchester United star. He has told Football Insider that the quality Lingard possesses should help them immensely in their bid to stay afloat in the Premier League as they battle the threat of relegation.
Whelan said, “I think Newcastle should be all over him. Any player they can get in January with as much experience and quality as Jesse Lingard will really help them in this relegation fight.”
“He’d bolster that attack, give them that extra attacking presence and directness – not to mention the goals and assists. Lingard is a player who would come in and improve anyone’s side outside of that top four. He’ll be eager to impress with the World Cup coming up.”
It remains to be seen if Lingard is attracted by the prospect of playing for Newcastle United and making a move when the January window opens. However, it is crystal clear that the attacking midfielder will look for a way out of Manchester United, where he cannot break into the playing squad.
