Pundit slams ‘ridiculous’ Man United over ‘joke’ Lingard development in last 24 hrs
Frank McAvennie has labelled Man United “ridiculous” over their handling of Jesse Lingard’s potential exit this month.
The former West Ham hitman, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insists the Red Devils should let the attacker join Newcastle.
As reported by the Telegraph’s James Ducker on Wednesday (January 26), talks over a loan move for Lingard have stalled with Newcastle unwilling to agree to a £12million survival bonus.
The journalist claims the total cost of the deal could rise to £16.5million including loan fees and wages.
As revealed by Football Insider on Friday (21 January) Manchester United rejected a £5million loan bid from the Magpies.
McAvennie has been left baffled by Man United’s demands.
“The amount of money Man United are after is ridiculous,” McAvennie told Football Insider correspondent Ben Wild.
“Lingard wants to play, we all know that. He wants to be playing at the World Cup.
“He isn’t playing at Man United and they won’t let him leave unless it is ridiculous money.
“He could only play 17 games or something for Newcastle and they want £16million or something?
“Is that a joke? I don’t get that. Newcastle have money but they aren’t going to be taken for idiots.
“I think Lingard might ask them to chill out a bit because that’s not on.
“If he wants to go, even if it isn’t Newcastle, they have to let him go. There is no reason not to.
“Man United at the moment, honestly, nothing should surprise me.”
Lingard is out of contract at the end of the season and has not started a single Premier League game this season.
He has just two starts in 14 appearances across all competitions.
In other news, Football Insider can reveal Newcastle United have turned their attention an English defender after twist.