Journalist Fabrizio Romano has reported that Manchester United have no intention to open talks with Jesse Lingard about a new contract.
It would appear the reported Newcastle United target is pretty much certain to depart Old Trafford in a few months’ time.
The star had hoped to leave in January.
And Newcastle expressed interest in him on deadline day.
But the Red Devils blocked his proposed exit just hours before the deadline.
Since the closure of the January window, Lingard has made just four appearances for Man United. Only one of those was a start against Leeds United.
Ralf Rangnick had initially given the greenlight for Lingard to leave. But the picture changed and Lingard was not able to depart.
But it very much looks as though Lingard will be leaving when his contract expires at the end of the season.
Romano says the plan has not changed. Man United have no intention of handing Lingard an extension, as well as Edinson Cavani and Juan Mata.
Potentially then, that leaves Newcastle with a big chance to sign the 29-year-old.
Newcastle should be back in for Jesse Lingard this summer
With the news that Lingard won’t be offered a new deal, Newcastle should start to put the feelers out now.
Fans will be expected some big, eye-catching transfers in the next window. But the Magpies also need to be smart with their recruitment.
There are obviously better attacking midfielders out there than Lingard.
But the star is proven at Premier League level. And we all saw how we played on loan at West Ham United last year.
He needs a fresh start, and he could be a great addition for Eddie Howe for no transfer fee.
It was reported last week that Newcastle are still in contact with Lingard and so, there’s a reasonable chance he’ll join.
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