Newcastle United and West Ham have reportedly launched deadline day bids to sign Jesse Lingard on loan.
The Athletic state that the Magpies have made an improved offer, having initially failed to agree a fee with Manchester United last week.
Meanwhile, the Hammers have reportedly made an approach too. The Athletic state that they are willing to pay more than they did last year when they signed Lingard on loan.
It was reported last week that Ralf Rangnick had given the 29-year-old his blessing to leave Old Trafford. That message has been reinforced by the Man United boss, who is happy for Lingard to leave today. The decision lies with the Red Devils hierarchy.
The clock is ticking, with Lingard running out of time to find a new club for the rest of the season. He wants to leave, but it remains to be seen whether or not his wish will be granted.
Man United would surely rather send Jesse Lingard to Newcastle than West Ham
We face deadline day competition for Lingard, but surely we have to remain the favourites for his signature. That’s not a dig at West Ham – in fact, it’s a compliment.
The Hammers are currently fifth in the Premier League and challenging Man United for a place in next season’s Champions League. Therefore, it would hardly be wise of Man United to let Lingard re-join them and potentially damage their European hopes.
Newcastle are a safer bet. In the short-term, we aren’t a danger to anyone in the top half. Of course, that should change in the long-term thanks to the new investment at St James’ Park.
For footballing reasons, Lingard has to be allowed to leave today. It’s incredibly harsh on him if he is forced to sit on the Old Trafford bench for the rest of the season.
Hopefully Newcastle can agree a fee, because Man United would surely rather Lingard joined the Magpies instead of the Hammers.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
