Ralf Rangnick admits he ‘cannot answer’ questions regarding Jesse Lingard’s future with Newcastle interested in signing the Manchester United midfielder.
Newcastle have made an approach to sign Lingard on loan for the rest of the season, with the 29-year-old having failed to start a Premier League fixture during the current campaign.
United would prefer a permanent deal given the England international is out of contract at the end of the season, but Lingard is keen to keep his options open ahead of the summer with interest from other clubs.
Rangnick discussed Lingard’s future ahead of the Red Devils’ clash with West Ham this weekend and admits he is unsure whether the midfielder will leave before the transfer deadline.
“Jesse is the same as quite a few other players,” Rangnick said at his pre-match press conference.
“He is really good player, it is normal that other clubs, like Newcastle show interest in him. If you ask me what will happen, cannot answer that question I am afraid.
“Also what does the player want, what other options does he have. I cannot answer that. He is a very good player, a technical player. It is not so easy at Man Utd, with other players in that position. I cannot change five or six players per game.
“Does he want more game time but I wouldn’t be unhappy if he stayed. I know what kind of level I will get from him.”
Rangnick also discussed Jadon Sancho’s absence for the 3-1 win at Brentford in midweek, with the winger having missed the clash to attend a family funeral.
The 21-year-old is set to return to training today, but Rangnick refused to confirm whether Sancho would be considered for selection this weekend.
“It affected him quite a lot,” Rangnick said.
“He is training later but I am not sure if available, it was an important member of family. Need to speak to him and see if he is available.”
