Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth has been discussing Jesse Lingard and a potential move to Newcastle United in the January transfer window.
A report from Eurosport back in November seemed to suggest that Newcastle were interested in signing Lingard during the January transfer window, with his future at Old Trafford in doubt given his lack of playing time so far this season.
Although, that report also stated that they faced a challenge from West Ham United – with whom he enjoyed a successful loan spell last season – as well as clubs from abroad.
Speaking on Sky Sports News’ The Transfer Show, Sheth spoke about the latest when it came to Lingard and a potential move to St. James’ Park, focusing on how finances might play a big part in the 29-year-old’s decision to join up with Eddie Howe’s men.
He said: “We know Newcastle – very interested and they have made an approach to Manchester United about Jesse Lingard’s availability.
“We know that he’d be very interested in hearing what Newcastle United had to say, first of all.
“A permanent move [has] not been ruled out either, but I think it would have to be financially conducive for Jesse Lingard to consider that permanent deal, simply because come the end of the season, he’ll be a free agent, and a free agent can command a little bit more money in terms of wages and maybe on a signing-on fee, because they know that the transfer fee will have been forgone.
“So I think Newcastle United might have to put some sort of package together to tempt him on a permanent move.”
TIF Thoughts on Dharmesh Sheth’s comments on Jesse Lingard and Newcastle United…
Would signing Lingard keep NUFC up?
Yes
No
This presents something of a conundrum for Newcastle United if Sheth’s assessment of things is correct.
Because whilst they certainly have the money to spend when it comes to buying players and their respective wages, it might be hard for them to convince players like Lingard to make a move permanently at this stage of the season given that Premier League safety is far from a guarantee.
And whilst they could offer the midfielder high wages to make a move now, should Newcastle get relegated, Lingard’s wages might put teams off making a move for him in the summer, meaning that he might be forced to spend a year in the Championship with the Toon, which may make him think twice about making a move in January.
So it should certainly be an interesting one to watch as the window comes ever closer to its conclusion.
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