Newcastle United are now contemplating making another move for Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard amid an update involving their pursuit of Hugo Ekitike.
What’s the story?
After initially seeming like the Magpies would seal the signing of the Stade Reims striker, it appears things have just hit a roadblock, and now, Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie has revealed that Eddie Howe’s side could turn to Lingard if things completely break down over a move for the latter.
Speaking live on Sky Sports (footage relayed by NUFC360), Downie said: “That would then mean Newcastle will have to look elsewhere, and as we know they’ve been interested in Jesse Lingard all window long.
“It’s our understanding that the player is keen to move here, and Newcastle would love to bring him to the football club, but the financials are the big problem there. I think both Newcastle and Manchester United would have to come to some sort of compromise. I think Newcastle would look to Lingard if they get a definite no from Ekitike, and I have to say that one is on ice.”
Howe would love him
After joining West Ham on loan just last year in the January transfer window, the England international bagged an impressive nine goals and four assists in just his first ten Premier League games for the club – it was no surprise then that he was lauded as being “absolutely phenomenal” and that on the form that he was showing, he was the best player in the top-flight.
His performances at the London Stadium proved the impact the £75k-a-week earning star can make on a team when given a consistent run of game-time – something he would surely see a lot more of at Newcastle.
Given the kind of midfield struggles that Howe’s side have had this season – their top goal-scoring midfielder this campaign has been Jonjo Shelvey with just two – bringing in Lingard would be a major step in the right direction of taking some of the burden away from the likes of Callum Wilson and Allan Saint-Maximin going forward.
The £18m-rated star would surely fancy his chances of reviving his career at St James’ Park, and Howe would certainly love the added goal-scoring he would bring from midfield.
Meanwhile, Newcastle United are in talks over this European star…