Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

New Newcastle offer for Jesse Lingard rivalled by revived French interest with extra edge

Jesse Lingard preparing to bring the ball down during a Man Utd game

Jesse Lingard could still get the chance to continue his career abroad after a relatively long-term suitor reignited their interest, according to reports in Europe.

Lingard is in the final six months of his Man Utd contract and faces a big decision over his future. It seems unlikely he will be extending his stay at the club. But it remains unclear if he will leave this month or wait until the end of the season.

The attacking midfielder has admirers at Newcastle, while a return to West Ham – where he spent the second half of last season on loan and impressed – has also been speculated.

Newcastle’s efforts to sign Lingard have been the busiest, but he does not want to commit to them while at risk of relegation. That said, he could still join them on loan.

90min have reported that Newcastle have even offered Man Utd £10m to take him for the rest of the season, until his deal expires. They are also willing to take on Lingard’s wages and make him their highest-paid player, while also offering a bonus if he helps them avoid relegation.

But with the 29-year-old unsure, he may wait until the summer to make a definite decision over his next destination. And there is a chance he could end up outside the Premier League.

According to Foot Mercato, Ligue 1 outfit Nice are aiming to sign Lingard after also trying last year.

Newcastle want Jesse Lingard to force move away from Manchester United

Newcastle want Jesse Lingard to force move away from Manchester United

Newcastle want Jesse Lingard to force a move away from Man United this January as massive contract on offer

Coached by Christophe Galtier, who led Lille to the league title last season, Nice are currently second in the French first division. To maintain their momentum, Galtier wants to add wingers to his squad.

Lingard is someone he admires and is capable of playing that role. And with Galtier’s employers already sharing an interest, it seems they are all on the same page about the pursuit.

However, the financial aspects of the deal make it difficult. That said, Foot Mercato do not think it is absolutely impossible. Nice would have to rely on a high league finish to help convince Lingard, though.

Jesse Lingard Manchester United September 2021

In theory, he could sign a pre-contract agreement with them now. But given other updates on his future, waiting to assess all the options in the summer seems most likely.

Any decision on his future could be critical to his hopes of representing England at the 2022 World Cup. His West Ham form forced him back into international contention, but a lack of gametime at club level since will have become a concern.

Rangnick leaves it to Lingard

Speaking at a press conference recently, Man Utd interim manager Ralf Rangnick gave an update on Lingard’s future.

He said on Friday: “Regarding Jesse, it’s the same as quite a few other players. He’s a really good player, it’s normal at other clubs, Newcastle showed interest in him but I am not the one dealing with that.

“If you ask me now what will happen in the next 10 days I cannot answer that question, I’m afraid.”

Rangnick went on to praise Lingard’s technical abilities and hinted he could be useful for the club if he stays. But there are a number of factors behind that, which only Lingard can answer.

His current boss added: “As I said, it’s the question of what does the player want? What other options does he have? Does he have the chance to get game time?

“I cannot answer for him. It has to be done by the players.

“He’s a very good player, a technical player. Here at Manchester United it’s not so easy. We have other players who can play in that position and we cannot change from one game to another five or six positions.

“I know his contract is expiring in the summer. The question is what does he want to do? I wouldn’t be unhappy if he stayed until the rest of the season because he is a player who can always play and I know the level.”

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