Athletic reporter David Ornstein claims Newcastle are willing to offer anything to sign Jesse Lingard from Manchester United.
The Red Devils midfielder re-entered the conversation on Wednesday, with the MEN claiming that the Magpies had made a loan offer. Two days on and we are yet to see a breakthrough.
Newcastle’s loan bid was rejected, while it was then claimed that a permanent deal was close – only for that claim to be taken back by the Telegraph’s Luke Edwards.
The muddy waters of the January transfer window continue to murk minds, as the Toon Army await some positive news.
However, it looks like Newcastle are going to have to make a special offer to Lingard to get this deal over the line.
What has David Ornstein said about Newcastle’s Jesse Lingard pursuit?
Transfer expert Ornstein spoke to Sky Sports News on Friday morning, and talked about the Magpies’ bid to sign Lingard.
“Newcastle United are prepared to throw everything to get Jesse Lingard,” he told Sky Sports News.
“And that’s what it will take. It will take a huge offer because he doesn’t need to leave Manchester United. He becomes a free agent in the summer and will have the pick of clubs.
“So if Newcastle are going to manage to lure him to St James’ Park then they’ll have to blow him out the water, and I’m told they’re prepared to do that. But they’ll need to form an agreement with Manchester United and Lingard himself.
“I think Lingard would prefer a loan deal so he can reassess his options in the summer. Manchester United would prefer a permanent deal. And Newcastle will do whatever it takes.
“So if that’s the form of a permanent deal then there’s going to need to be some sort of release clause for Jesse Lingard if Newcastle are relegated.”
This is a deal Newcastle have to complete
There was a lot of excitement among fans when talk of a Lingard move emerged.
Lingard is a long-time target for Newcastle. Steve Bruce wanted him at St James’ Park during his tenure. Now the rumours have returned.
His name was mentioned shortly after the takeover went through by the Telegraph. There were even claims from the Times that he could become the club’s highest paid player.
And that might need to be the case to get Lingard to St James’ Park this month. It is going to take a special offer to sign the 29-year-old, as Ornstein says.
But Newcastle are in a difficult position. Lingard wants to join, but only on loan. Meanwhile, Man United want rid but only on a permanent deal. Then you’ve got the Magpies, who are simply desperate for reinforcements, but don’t want to be overcharged amid their newfound wealth.
A compromise has to be reached. That might mean inserting a relegation release clause in to his contract, which wouldn’t be the end of the world. Would we really expect someone like Lingard to stay if we went down anyway?
Or Newcastle and Lingard try to convince Man United to loan him out. You do wonder why they’re so desperate to keep a player they don’t want to play themselves – it’s almost cruel.
But he’s under contract at Old Trafford until the end of the season, and they’re entitled to turn down whatever offer they want.
The clock is ticking though, and Newcastle desperately need a player like Lingard to arrive before the end of the month.
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