Newcastle ‘should be all over’ Lingard after Romano reveal – pundit
Noel Whelan has urged Newcastle to complete a January deal for Man United contract rebel Jesse Lingard.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 28-year-old would “bolster” the Magpies’ attack ahead of a relegation scrap this term.
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano (10 December), Newcastle are “seriously interested” in Lingard and have initiated contact with his representatives ahead of the January transfer window.
The England international is out of contract at Old Trafford at the end of this season and looks unlikely to renew terms.
Lingard has played just 267 minutes of football for Man United this season, scoring two goals.
Whelan insisted the midfielder would “really help” Newcastle as they inch closer to relegation.
“I think Newcastle should be all over him,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“Any player they can get in January with as much experience and quality as Jesse Lingard will really help them in this relegation fight.
“He’d bolster that attack, give them that extra attacking presence and directness – not to mention the goals and assists.
“Lingard is a player who would come in and improve anyone’s side outside of that top four. He’ll be eager to impress with the World Cup coming up.”
Lingard enjoyed a successful loan spell with high-flying West Ham last season.
He scored nine goals and registered five assists in 16 top-flight appearances for the Irons.
Newcastle sit 19th in the Premier League table after 16 games this term.
The Magpies are three points from safety.
In other news, Newcastle could sign two ‘superstars’ in January amid ‘£100m’ claim.