Lingard left in lurch by Newcastle as free transfer interest ends for unexpected reason

Newcastle United have withdrawn from the race to take Jesse Lingard when his Manchester United contract expires, according to a report.

Lingard will leave Man Utd in the summer after many years of service to the club. The academy graduate has made more than 200 appearances for the first team. However, not many of those have come this season – or at least not as many as he would have hoped for.

The attacking midfielder revived his career on loan at West Ham between last January and the summer. But Man Utd’s decision to reintegrate him rather than cash in has not paid off.

Lingard has stagnated again and was not permitted the chance to leave in January this year. Newcastle wanted him on a loan deal, but Man Utd blocked the move unless they would pay a significant fee for it.

Now, Man Utd will not be able to stand in Lingard’s way as he prepares to become a free agent.

It had been thought Newcastle would be back in the hunt for him, but now the Telegraph are claiming they will not be making a move after all.

According to the report, Lingard’s wage demands are too much for even Saudi-backed Newcastle. Of course, they could afford him, but they have concerns about how such a deal would impact their overall wage structure.

Lingard is seeking a contract worth more than £150,000 per week, as well as a signing-on fee. By making such a commitment, Newcastle would be setting a precedent that may harm them in future negotiations.

Newcastle now looking for younger than Lingard

What’s more, they would prefer to focus on reducing the average age of the squad. Lingard turns 30 later this year, so would not help in that regard, despite his ability.

Jesse Lingard could move to Italy this summer

AC Milan and Roma are both interested in Jesse Lingard this summer.

Newcastle made a few signings for the short-term in January; Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn and Chris Wood are all in their 30s. But as their project develops, they will seek longer-term recruits more.

In turn, they are not as willing to commit to Lingard on a multiple-year deal as they would have been had he spent some time on loan with them beforehand.

He will consequently have to look elsewhere for his next club, even though Newcastle still want a winger.

As for Lingard, it is likely to be a choice between West Ham, with 90min claiming they remain interested in taking him back to the London Stadium, or a move abroad – most likely to Serie A. Over in Italy, the likes of Juventus, AC Milan and Roma have been linked.

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