Paul Merson believes Newcastle United signing Jesse Lingard on loan today would be an ‘outstanding signing’.
The Magpies are working intensely to try and strengthen their squad before the 11pm deadline.
Newcastle signed Bruno Guimaraes yesterday, with the Brazilian becoming their third addition on the month.
It is expected that Matt Targett and Dan Burn will soon be announced by the club, with both players reported to have had medicals.
There has also been talk about Hugo Ekitike coming in, but a move for the French youngster is currently up in the air.
It is now being claimed that Lingard is back on Newcastle’s radar as a potential alternative to Ekitike.
Newcastle fans will hope one of them signs in time, but Merson reckons Lingard would be a fantastic coup for the club.
Speaking on Sky Sports News at 3:14pm, he said: “A (potentially) great move for Newcastle. I’m not sure for Lingard. I’m not sure about that. If they don’t stay up, he’s playing in the Championship next season.
“If it’s a loan move, I think it’s an outstanding signing. I think that gives them the edge if Jesse Lingard goes to Newcastle.”
Newcastle reportedly face competition for Lingard from West Ham United (Sky Sports).
The Hammers took the 29-year-old on loan last season and the move was a resounding success. His stint there could well be forming part of Newcastle’s motivation to sign him.
Jesse Lingard could indeed give Newcastle the edge in hunt for survival
Lingard really is someone Newcastle should be fighting tooth and nail for in these last hours of the window.
Ekitike is a player with huge potential. But there is more risk with him as he is obviously very young and inexperienced.
Lingard has proved himself in the Premier League.
He starred for West Ham last season, and he could be the ideal player to link the midfield and the attack. he is someone who likes to get in between the lines, and as Merson says, he could really make a huge difference.
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