Top journalist issues Lingard update: Frantic talks, release clauses, huge offers & the big dilemma

Speaking on Sky Sports News this morning, The Athletic’s top football correspondent David Ornstein has offered an update on Newcastle United’s pursuit of Jesse Lingard.

Last night it was claimed by The Telegraph that we were closing in on a deal for the Man Utd midfielder, however Ornstein has now attempted to unpack what appears to be a very complex deal we seem determined to complete.

He reports we were frantically pushing to get him signed in time for tomorrow’s clash with Leeds as of last night, but were hit with three issues. We tried for a permanent deal, the player prefers a loan to keep his options open…but Man Utd want to sell, given out of contract at the end of the season.

Ornstein insists that we are prepared to do ‘whatever it takes’ to bring him to St James’ Park, although it seems any permanent move would require us to insert a relegation release clause in his contract; something that does NOT feature in either Kieran Trippier or Chris Wood’s deals.

It’s also said that there’s interest from West Ham and Spurs, but Ornstein believes it’s ‘Newcastle or nothing’ – possibly down to the fact Man Utd won’t allow him to join a top four rival.

Here’s what he had to say on Sky Sports News this morning:

So, if we really are prepared to do whatever it takes, it seems we either put together a permanent deal that offers him an escape route should we go down, or offer a sizeable loan fee to tempts Manchester United into a deal.

The latter would then give Lingard the best of both worlds, giving him a platform to impress until the end of the season – which could be key as he battles to win back his place in the England squad ahead of the World Cup – but also allowing him to keep his options open when he becomes a free agent this summer.

Loans can be bittersweet if a player does brilliantly then moves on in search of something bigger, however I’m pretty sure we’d take it if it’s the difference between beating the drop and going down!

About Olly Hawkins

As a Junior Magpie since birth and season ticket holder, I eat, sleep and breathe all things NUFC! Here at the blog, I aim to bring you news, views, match reports and transfer exclusives as and when I get them.

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