Football journalist Fabrizio Romano has been speaking on The United Stand YouTube channel to discuss the future of Jesse Lingard, amid links to a potential switch to Newcastle United.
The English midfielder has had a tricky start to the 2021/22 campaign with Manchester United, having returned to Old Trafford from his season-long loan spell last season.
Would Lingard have been a good signing?
Yes
No
And with the January transfer window just a matter of days away, the 29-year-old’s future under Ralf Rangnick is under serious doubt, with Newcastle one of the clubs said to be interested.
Eddie Howe and the new ownership on Tyneside will have their first opportunity to put their stamp on the side with the Magpies currently staring relegation in the face.
However, Romano has issued the Toon with a major blow in their bid to acquire the services of the England international ahead of the January window:
“It is true that Newcastle approached him, Newcastle want Jesse Lingard. They contacted him so they have his name on the list. But at the moment, they know that the player is not accepting – as of now – a move in January.”
TIF Thoughts on Newcastle United and Lingard’s future…
What Newcastle do in the January window could determine their Premier League fate, so this could be seen as a big blow if their newfound riches are not enough to entice Lingard to Tyneside.
There have been claims suggesting Lingard is now prepared to remain a United player until the end of the campaign when his contract with the Red Devils is set to expire.
As we near the halfway point of the season, Lingard has only made eight appearances in the league, with just 87 minutes of action on the pitch (via Transfermarkt).
Lingard showed what he is still capable of during his loan spell with West Ham United, so we find it difficult to understand why he is not pushing for an exit from Old Trafford in January given his age.
The £19.8m-rated midfielder has recently worked his way back into Gareth Southgate’s England plans, and with the 2022 World Cup coming up, surely Lingard should be eyeing up minutes on the pitch.
In other news: ‘He can do it on the international stage’ – Ex reveals West Ham eyeing ‘interesting’ transfer