Jesse Lingard is ‘likely’ to stay at Manchester United until the end of the season despite interest from Newcastle, according to reports.
The 29-year-old has not started a Premier League match for the Red Devils since January 2020.
He enjoyed a wonderful spell on loan at West Ham during the second half of last season, scoring nine goals in 16 appearances for the Hammers.
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There was speculation during the summer that Lingard would sign for the Irons permanently, but he opted to stay and fight for his place at Old Trafford.
His contract expires at the end of this season, with multiple reports claiming the England midfielder will not renew his current deal.
Chances were scarce under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, with Lingard reportedly giving up on his hopes of playing regularly under the Norwegian.
The sacking of Solskjaer has given the playmaker motivation to stay and fight for a place in United’s starting XI under interim manager Ralf Rangnick.
Happy birthday to our very own @JesseLingard #MUFC pic.twitter.com/tg4gJphUJx
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 15, 2021
As a result, Lingard is ‘likely’ to stay in Manchester until the end of the season, according to The Athletic.
The report adds that no more contract talks are scheduled after the player rejected the club’s most recent offer.
West Ham and Newcastle are the two sides most heavily linked with a move for Lingard, but will be unable to sign him next month, nor will they be able to negotiate a pre-contract deal, unlike foreign clubs.
The Magpies ‘do not intend to pursue the situation at present’, the report also claims. Despite this, Jamie Redknapp has urged Newcastle to pursue a deal for Lingard in January.
“You can’t just keep relying on Callum Wilson,” Redknapp said.
“Jesse Lingard has had a shout, if I was Newcastle right now he would be my first signing.
”He’s out of contract in the summer, you can get him at a good price. Great mentality, there’s definitely goals in him.”
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