Newcastle are ‘optimistic’ over a deal to sign Jesse Lingard on loan after submitting an improved offer for the Manchester United midfielder.
Newcastle saw an opening loan bid for Lingard rejected earlier in the window, but have returned with an improved offer for the 29-year-old who is keen to leave the Red Devils in search of regular first-team football.
Lingard has failed to start a Premier League fixture so far this season and has attracted interest from a number of divisional rivals including Tottenham and West Ham, though United are reluctant to sanction his departure to a potential top-four rival.
Lingard spent the second half of last season on loan at West Ham and scored nine goals in 16 games, with the Red Devils fearful a similar run of form at a rival club could jeopardise their own Champions League hopes.
Newcastle’s position in the relegation places has given the Magpies an advantage in the race to sign Lingard and the Mail are reporting the club are ‘optimistic’ over a deal.
United’s preference is for a permanent deal given the England international is out of contract at the end of the season, but Lingard will only consider a loan to St James’ Park as he looks to keep his options open.
The compromise could be a ‘sizeable’ loan fee for the remainder of the season, an agreement which could suit all parties as Newcastle look to reinforce their squad and climb out of the Premier League’s bottom three.
