It is reportedly ‘unlikely’ that Jesse Lingard will sign for Newcastle United this summer.
That’s according to 90min, who state that West Ham are now ‘pushing’ to land the midfielder on a free.
Lingard’s contract at Manchester United expires this week, and it has been announced that he will not be extending his stay at Old Trafford.
That has led to multiple clubs trying to land the England international on a free transfer – including Newcastle.
However, wages have stopped Lingard heading to St James’ Park.
Lingard wanted £200,000-a-week to sign for Newcastle
After being denied a January move by Manchester United, talk of Lingard joining Newcastle on a free surfaced earlier in the year.
Given how close he was to joining the club at the start of the year, it felt very likely that the 29-year-old was going to become a Toon player. Then Lingard’s wage demands became apparent.
The Telegraph first reported that Newcastle were out of the race because he wanted more than £150,000-a-week. The Chronicle then added that his actual wage demands were £200,000-a-week.
That is an astonishing amount of money, and it’s no wonder Newcastle took a step away.
There has been tentative talk of Lingard still coming to St James’ Park, but that felt unlikely. And it feels even more unlikely now.
West Ham move makes more sense
A return to West Ham looks most probable at the moment. Lingard was previously on loan at the London Stadium and thrived. His form there is probably why Newcastle tried so hard to sign him.
Now David Moyes wants him back, with 90min suggesting he could become one of West Ham’s highest earners.
In all honesty, a move to West Ham makes more sense for Lingard. They wanted him in January, but Man United wouldn’t let him join a team they were competing with for European football.
Given the fact they finished narrowly above the Hammers, it was probably the right decision.
Lingard would have been a good signing for Newcastle – he’s a great player. But while wages are increasing at St James’ Park, we don’t want people who are just coming for the money.
Paying Lingard what he wanted would have been a huge error and could have led to serious financial issues down the line.
West Ham are a better fit, and currently appear most likely to secure his signature. Good luck to him.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
