Man Utd boss Ralf Rangnick ‘gives Newcastle green light’ for Jesse Lingard transfer
Premier League transfer round-up: Tottenham aim for double signing
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Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick has reportedly given Jesse Lingard his blessing to leave Old Trafford for the rest of the season. Newcastle and West Ham have both registered an interest in the out-of-favour midfielder, but the Red Devils board could yet step in to scupper the deal.
Lingard dazzled on loan with the Hammers last season, leading to a belief that he could stamp his authority on United’s team this campaign.
But under both Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Rangnick, game time has been a major issue, and he appears keen to secure regular football in the lead-up to the 2022 World Cup.
According to The Athletic, the United boss is now prepared to sanction Lingard’s exit.
But concerns about how it may impact the club could convince the board to step in and call off the move.
Prior reports stated that approaches from both Tottenham and West Ham had been slapped down due to the threat it could pose to United’s top-four hopes.
With Newcastle in the midst of a relegation battle, such an issue would not come into play if Lingard headed to St James’ Park, but the board are still supposedly worried about strengthening what they see as a future Premier League rival.
As such, the 29-year-old’s departure is not completely nailed-on, but Rangnick has at least reiterated his willingness to see him secure regular football.
Both player and manager held a positive meeting on Monday, where Lingard emphasised his desire to make this year’s World Cup squad, according to ESPN.
While Newcastle undoubtedly have the financial muscle to table a tempting offer, particularly for a player who only has six months left to run on his contract, the Hammers have reportedly steamed back into the equation by making ‘fresh contact’.
MEN claim that Lingard’s preference has always been to move to London, which could leave the Magpies frustrated if United agree to ease their criteria on his departure.
But that remains unlikely in light of the Red Devils’ top-four aspirations.
Neither Newcastle nor West Ham will be able to invest all of their time into a deal for Lingard on deadline day, with both clubs putting their transfer eggs in a number of baskets.
For Magpies boss Eddie Howe, Lingard is one of up to five players who could head to the north east before the end of the day.
Moves for Dan Burn and Matt Targett appear to be edging closer, while approaches for Lingard, Hugo Ekitike and Dean Henderson hang in the balance.
As for Hammers manager David Moyes, a huge bid has reportedly been turned down by Benfica for striker Darwin Nunez.
That may not be all they have up their sleeve though, with plenty of time left to turn towards a Plan B if they are serious about bringing in reinforcements.
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