Rijo Sam Daniel
Eddie Howe fuels Manchester United star Jesse Lingard links after response to failed Newcastle United transfer
Eddie Howe has hinted that Newcastle United could target Manchester United star Jesse Lingard next summer having failed to sign him in the January transfer window. The Magpies were very interested in securing the Englishman’s services on loan last month but were put off by the Red Devils’ demands.
Lingard will see his current contract with Man United expire at the end of this season. That had prompted Newcastle to play their cards in the winter transfer window in an attempt to bolster their squad for a relegation battle. However, they failed to reach an agreement for his signature despite the attempts on deadline day.
Speaking in an interview with Chronicle Live, Howe addressed their attempts to sign the 29-year-old when asked about the subject. He conveyed his admiration for the attacking midfielder while expressing that he does not have anything better to say about it.
“Jesse Lingard is a player I have always admired. And that’s probably the best thing to say.”
Hinting at a summer switch?
It is stated that the Toons have not given up their pursuit of the Englishman, which could be in line with their manager’s words. The fact that Lingard’s contract will run out at the end of the campaign means Newcastle can land their man without having to worry about Man United meddling.
However, it is touted that Ralf Rangnick’s team could offer the 29-year-old a new deal in the coming months. Whether that will be the case or not would only be known in due time. Even if a renewal is put on the table before next summer, there is no guarantee that he would accept the deal under the current circumstances.
The Man United ace could not garner many minutes this term despite his excellent loan spell with West Ham United last season. Moreover, he even had a great pre-season while having a solid start to the current campaign. And yet he was cast aside until now, which is more than enough of a reason to move elsewhere.
More Manchester United News
- Manchester United on alert as Erik ten Hag appears set to call it quits at Ajax Amsterdam
- Ralf Rangnick dismisses notion that Manchester United need a summer overhaul to challenge for the Premier League title
- Transfer News: Manchester United agree £12m deal with Flamengo for Andreas Pereira
However, a summer move would most probably depend on whether the Magpies can ensure their survival in this campaign. Even with the January signings, safety cannot be guaranteed since the incomings would need time to gel together and time is a luxury they do not have.
As for a potential renewal, it is very difficult to see that coming into fruition, especially given how Lingard has been starved of opportunities despite his good form. Regardless of the next destination, it would be best for the England international to treat the next few months as an audition of sorts to potential sides interested in his services.
