According to The Athletic, Newcastle have decided against a January move for Jesse Lingard.
Just a few weeks ago, The Times’ Martin Hardy reported that the 29-year-old had been identified as the club’s top target heading into the new year.
However, The Athletic’s David Ornstein has revealed this morning that we ‘do not intend’ to pursue the attacking midfielder, despite recent interest, stating that the player himself has opted to fight for his place under interim manager Ralf Rangnick.
The England international is out of contract at the end of the season and has recently seen talks break down over a new deal, but it seems the ball is in his court over his future.
As it stands, it seems he’ll give it one last go at Old Trafford in a bid to get back into their plans, knowing he will have a host of options as a free agent next summer should he fail to do so.
This update does make you wonder why we have pulled out. Are we aware of Lingard’s reluctance? Or are we prioritising moves elsehwere, with the signing of several defenders seeming essential next month?
Either way, it doesn’t look like the former West Ham loanee will be arriving on Tyneside in January…
He wanted to come to the Toon on loan until the end of the season then he could look at his options.
Man Utd want a transfer fee for him.
BillytheFish(Quote)