Newcastle United are in a battle to sign Jesse Lingard with Atletico Madrid and AC Milan vying for the attacker’s transfer.
According to 90Min, there is a battle brewing for Jesse Lingard as the Manchester United attacker inches closer to being a free agent. AC Milan and Atletico Madrid are ready to compete with Newcastle United for the England international’s signature.
Jesse Lingard will be regretting his decision to stay put at Manchester United last summer when there were suitable offers on the table. The England international was close to joining West Ham United in that window, although Ole Gunnar Solskjaer persuaded the attacker to remain at the club.
He had finished the previous season on loan at West Ham, helping the Londoners qualify for the Europa League campaign, scoring nine goals in the process. David Moyes was keen to sign him permanently, although the lure to feature regularly for Manchester United prompted Lingard to reject any advances.
The attacker has since found himself on the periphery at Old Trafford, often cutting a frustrated figure on the sidelines alongside other unused stars. He was on the verge of leaving the club in January, although Manchester United blocked a potential move to Newcastle United.
The Magpies are tipped to sign Lingard ahead of West Ham, as the attacker nears free agency, with his contract at Manchester United running down. He has several clubs interested, although the Magpies are considered front runners during the summer window.
There are offers from Serie A, where AC Milan lead the chase. Atletico Madrid are also keen on Lingard as Diego Simeone searches for a cost-effective attacking addition in the summer transfer window. They have been linked to a few names, including Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech.
AC Milan are also looking to upgrade their options with Brahim Diaz struggling this season. And Lingard represents a financially viable alternative for the Serie A title contenders. However, considering the riches on offer at Newcastle following their takeover, the Italian and Spanish clubs may not be able to compete with it.
Lingard still harbours hopes of rejoining Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the World Cup. His chances could be boosted if he remained in the Premier League and played regularly. The Magpies could offer him such a route, and hence remain favourites to sign him on a free transfer when the season ends.