Newcastle have made an approach to Manchester United for Jesse Lingard, who is out of contract in the summer and has no interest in renewing his deal at Old Trafford.
Lingard is believed to be interested in considering any offer from Newcastle, and could favour a permanent switch to St James’ Park.
The 29-year-old has a good friendship with Kieran Trippier, who joined Newcastle from Atletico Madrid this month, and is understood to be impressed by the club’s ability to attract a player of his calibre.
However, Lingard is currently able to speak to foreign sides about a pre-contract agreement, and any offer from Newcastle would need to reflect the fact he is able to join a new club for free in the summer.
The Magpies’ bid could be helped by the fact they are not competing with United for a position in the top four, meaning Ralf Rangnick’s side would not be strengthening a rival if they sanctioned his departure.
United’s top-four competitors Tottenham have also approached Lingard’s representatives over a transfer in the summer.
The midfielder was told by former United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer that he would feature regularly for the side this season, but he started just once under the Norwegian before he was sacked in November.
Lingard’s fortunes have not improved under Rangnick, who has also started the midfielder only once since replacing Solskjaer.
Lingard’s lack of game time contributed to his absence from the England squad for their most recent matches in November, after which he expressed his desire to play regular football ahead of the World Cup this winter.
Lingard’s struggles this campaign are in stark contrast to the second half of the 2020/21 season, when he scored nine times in 16 games during an impressive loan spell at West Ham.
Source: skysports
