Jesse Lingard will be watching enviously as Newcastle face West Ham

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Newcastle United will be without Kieran Trippier on Saturday, while West Ham continue to deal with the fallout of the Kurt Zouma situation.

You have one team looking to avoid relegation, while the other is chasing Champions League.

It’s set to be an interesting game at the London Stadium, but one player who will be watching on enviously is Jesse Lingard. Whether it’s for the home or the away side, he really should be playing in this fixture.

But he won’t be because of his current employers Manchester United.

Jesse Lingard not allowed to join Newcastle or West Ham

In January 2021, Lingard joined West Ham on loan. He was out of favour at Old Trafford, and offered a chance by David Moyes. He took that opportunity with both hands, breathing new life into a somewhat stalling career.

During his loan spell, Lingard scored nine goals and provided five assists in just 16 games. He was outstanding.

It led to intense speculation that he would join the Hammers permanently, but instead he remained at Man United.

Rumours of a move re-emerged last month, with Lingard barely featuring this season for the Red Devils.

West Ham were reportedly keen, but Man United wouldn’t let him join a top four rival – disappointing for the player, but such is the importance of Champions League football.

Then came Newcastle’s interest, and Man United still denied Lingard. They wouldn’t let him move to St James’ Park unless the new Toon owners paid a ridiculous amount of money. There was talk of a £12million bonus if Newcastle avoided relegation.

Manchester United priced one of their own out of a move away from a club where he simply isn’t needed.

Lingard probably would’ve preferred a move to West Ham – they’re a team competing in Europe who could be in the Champions League next season. But when that wasn’t an option, he was keen on a move to Newcastle instead.

But he was allowed neither, and on Saturday afternoon he’ll be watching on thinking ‘what if’ as the Magpies take on the Hammers.

Meanwhile, he’ll be preparing for another game on the bench when Man United take on Leeds on Sunday.