Newcastle United are reportedly facing difficulty in their pursuit of Jesse Lingard, and it could see the club now focus their efforts on landing Dele Alli.
It was reported last night (Sky Sports) that the proposed move is now in jeopardy. Manchester United have apparently asked for a ‘sizeable’ loan fee for the 29-year-old.
Lingard wants to depart Old Trafford, and seal regular first-team football again ahead of the World Cup later this year.
Ralf Rangnick yesterday gave Lingard his approval to leave, according to The Athletic.
But Newcastle have deemed their counterparts’ demands unacceptable.
It is currently unclear how much money the Red Devils are demanding to let Lingard leave on loan. Of course, the player is out of contract at the end of the season.
Interestingly, Manchester United have just done business with Sevilla over Anthony Martial.
The French forward has joined them on a temporary basis, but no loan fee has been reported. This would suggest Manchester United are looking to take advantage of Newcastle’s new wealth, which is proving to be the theme of the month.
With a move for Lingard now in huge danger, Newcastle may already be ready to move onto other targets.
And another attacking midfielder to have been linked with the club in recent weeks and days, is Spurs man Dele.
The star has failed to get back into Spurs’ starting XI this season, and the chances of him changing clubs in the next few days are very reasonable.
Will Newcastle now move for Dele Alli following new Jesse Lingard reports?
It is possible that Newcastle could now make a late play for Dele.
On January 18, talkSPORT’s Alex Crook tweeted that he would not rule out a Newcastle move for the midfielder before the end of the window.
Dele plays in a very similar position to Lingard. And Newcastle officials may now look to launch a pursuit for the 25-year-old.
Spurs are currently being linked (Sky Sports) with a move for another attacking player, Luis Diaz of Porto. Them landing him may further increase the competition for £100,000-a-week man Dele (Spotrac).
If Newcastle feel that the Lingard move is now dead in the water, there is every chance Dele to St. James’ Park could be something we see in the coming days.
It would be a gamble, but Newcastle need someone who can contribute from attacking midfield. Dele could be that individual.
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