Alan Shearer reacts to rumours Newcastle could sign Man Utd forward Jesse Lingard

Newcastle legend Alan Shearer discusses the club takeover

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Alan Shearer has appeared to give his seal of approval to Newcastle’s reported pursuit of Manchester United forward Jesse Lingard. The controversial takeover of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) from Mike Ashley was completed last week and the new owners are already said to be plotting big money transfers.

The Magpies have been linked to dozens of high profile stars in the days following the official takeover confirmation, with the club expected to flex their muscles in the transfer market with the new richest owners in the sport. 

England duo Jesse Lingard and James Tarkowski are two of the first players to be linked to joining the new St James’ Park era. 

The Telegraph reports the pair have already been discussed as possible signings as the club plots an exciting squad rebuild. 

The report was tweeted by ChronicleLive via a transfer round up and subsequently ‘liked’ by Toon great Shearer.

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Lingard has been limited to three substitute appearances for the Red Devils this season and Tyneside could be the ideal place to gain more first team football.

The 28-year-old netted in United’s 4-1 Premier League victory over the Magpies last month and scored the winner in a recent victory over former club West Ham. 

A move for Lingard would be an exciting way to kickstart a squad overhaul and Shearer appears to be onboard with a potential transfer.

Shearer has been vocal with his support for the Saudi takeover after 14 years in the doldrums under Mike Ashley.

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“The dream is that we have an owner that wants to try and give us a little bit of hope,” he told BBC Five Live after the takeover was confirmed.

“There is this assumption about Newcastle fans that they are demanding and want too much.

“There isn’t, they just want a little bit of hope and excitement. They want to know they are going into a season trying – not just trying to survive, but trying to achieve what their football club can be.

“There is no harm in that, and I really understand our excitement because of that.”

The takeover from the Saudi-led consortium has been described as ‘sportswashing’ by human rights groups who strongly oppose the £300m deal.

And Shearer has also admitted the human rights issues cannot be ignored, despite overwhelming excitement from supporters who were thrilled to see the back of former owner Ashley.

“It should not be swept under the carpet, we have to talk about it,” the Premier League’s all-time top goalscorer added.

“You can not ignore it, but already the Saudis are massively invested in this country and hugely invested into other sports.

“Our government is heavily invested with the Saudis so I think it is a huge issue. But I think we have to highlight with Newcastle fans that this is not their fault, they don’t get a say in who runs their football club.”

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