Could United finally seal a Lingard deal?
HOWE HOPES IT WILL BE THIRD TIME LUCKY IN CHASE FOR JESSE
WILL it be a case of third time lucky for Newcastle United and Jesse Lingard?
Newcastle’s attempts to sign Lingard on loan came up short in January 2021 and in the mid-season window earlier this year but the Magpies are now among the frontrunners to land the 29-year-old on a free transfer this summer.
As has been widely reported, Lingard has no intention of extending his stay at Manchester United after a sour end to his 20-year stay at the club.
Newcastle, AC Milan, Paris Saintgermain and Juventus are all interested in a player who will soon be out of contract.
This is potentially Lingard’s last big deal but The Chronicle understands the forward simply wants to play after a frustrating season at Old Trafford.
That thirst to make the England squad for the World Cup may yet work in Newcastle’s favour.
Eddie Howe is a long-term admirer of Lingard’s and although no one is guaranteed a place in this Newcastle side the England international would have the best chance of gaining the minutes he desires at St James’ Park while playing in a league he knows so well.
Moving to Tyneside would also allow the father-of-one to stay closer to his family in the north.
From Newcastle’s perspective, the absence of a transfer fee makes this an attractive deal given how the Magpies are going to have to be particularly smart to move to the next level while also complying with UEFA’S financial sustainability regulations. However, given the wages Lingard already commands at Manchester United, the Tynesiders are going to have to box clever when the club’s salary to turnover ratio is already at around 65%. Newcastle already have a direct line to Lingard’s camp after doing a lot of work on a potential loan deal in the build-up to January and during the mid-season window itself.
Lingard had given such encouragement Newcastle even attempted to resurrect talks with Manchester United in the final throes of the window - but the Red Devils were demanding an eye-watering survival bonus on top of the loan fee.
Lingard was ultimately left ‘gutted’ after the move fell through and has since started just two games for Manchester United.
He could not even get off the bench against Brentford on Monday night for what was his final home game for his boyhood club.
The furious reaction from Lingard’s camp on social media to that omission may raise alarm bells but it is important to stress Newcastle have already done their homework
on the player’s character. Howe, more than anyone, is acutely aware of the importance of not disrupting the dressing room and positivity, leadership and a winning mentality are among the crucial characteristics he looks for in new signings.
Perhaps, tellingly, Lingard was willing to join friend Kieran Trippier in Newcastle’s relegation fight.
The England international would give this Newcastle side a new dimension.
The goal burden has been shared around but the Magpies’ top scorer this season is Callum Wilson with six goals - despite him not playing since December.
United need more match-winners in the final third and Lingard’s versatility and workrate would be real assets. No wonder he is in demand.
Lingard’s thirst to make the England squad for the World Cup may yet work in Newcastle’s favour Ciaran Kelly