Newcastle are being ‘abused’ in Lingard talks after ‘ridiculous’ £16.5m update – pundit
Newcastle United are being “abused” by Manchester United in negotiations over a loan deal for Jesse Lingard, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the Red Devils’ demands for the 29-year-old are “ridiculous”.
As reported by the Daily Mail on Wednesday (26 January), Manchester United want a £12million survival bonus included in any loan deal for Lingard.
That is on top of a £2.5million loan fee and his £100,000-a-week wages covered.
The total value of the Red Devils’ demands could cost Newcastle £16.5million.
Whelan insisted Manchester United should be looking to get Lingard off the books.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “It’s ridiculous, isn’t it? At the end of the day, what you want to be looking for as Man United is just get him off the wage bill.
“Get him out if he’s not needed by the club in terms of squad depth. He’s not going to offer anything in terms of where they’re going to finish at the end of the season.
“They know he’s coming out of contract. It’s very cheeky by Manchester United. They’re trying to use Newcastle’s predicament and where they are in the league right now for their gain.
“I just think they’ve abused Newcastle’s finances with this one. They’re saying: ‘If you’re desperate to stay in the Premier League, then you’re paying £16million to get this player on loan.’
“It’s not the way it works. That’s not the way you do business, using someone’s predicament against them. It shouldn’t be about that.”
Lingard has started twice in 14 appearances for Manchester United this season.
However, neither of those starts have come in the Premier League.
In other news, Newcastle United tipped to sign Premier League attacker after £37.5million reveal.