Man Utd star Jesse Lingard’s representatives ‘keeping an eye’ on Newcastle progress

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Jesse Lingard’s representatives were in attendance at St James’ Park to watch Newcastle United on Sunday afternoon as they weigh up the idea of a Tyneside switch, according to reports. Lingard will be out of contract at Manchester United ahead of next season and looks to be considering the idea of a new challenge away from Old Trafford.

The 28-year-old enjoyed a fruitful loan spell at West Ham United last season but has struggled to assert himself in Manchester since returning from the capital.

Lingard is yet to start in the Premier League so far this season, playing just 55 minutes of football over four substitute appearances for the Red Devils.

United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer insisted during pre-season that Lingard was part of his plans for the campaign ahead, but it seems as though it could be the same old story for the England man over the next few months.

He failed to make a single Premier League appearance for United throughout the previous campaign before joining West Ham on a temporary basis in January.

Lingard was heavily linked with a permanent return to the London Stadium after the conclusion of his loan spell, but opted to stay at United in order to fight for his place.

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However, it seems as though a move away could soon be an option for the midfielder amid his lack of recent playing time and the uncertainty surrounding his contract situation.

Newcastle have been tipped to beat West Ham to Lingard’s signature in recent days after their controversial Saudi-led takeover was finally completed last week.

The United player’s representatives attended St James’ Park on Sunday afternoon to watch the Magpies take on Tottenham and have been ‘keeping an eye’ on recent developments in the north east, according to Sky Sports.

The match was Newcastle’s first outing under their new regime, with the likes of co-owner Amanda Staveley and non-executive chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan present in the stands to watch their team in action.

Lingard’s camp were also said to be at the stadium, suggesting that a future move up north could emerge as a real possibility over the coming weeks and months.

It remains to be seen whether a Newcastle switch will eventually come to fruition, with the Magpies likely to be eyeing plenty of potential signings ahead of the January transfer window and beyond.

Meanwhile, Solskjaer recently claimed that he would like Lingard to sign a new deal at United but admitted that his lack of playing time will be an issue.

“Jesse’s had a good start to the season,” the United boss told reporters earlier this month.

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“Of course, he’s come on and scored a few goals for us that’s been very important for us. He knows what we want.

“We want to prolong his contract, we see him as an important player for us. It’s obviously up to him to get more playing time.

“Maybe up to me to give him more playing time because he deserves to, but every time I pick a team I have to leave some players out.

“Hopefully, we can get a deal sorted for Jesse because we really rate him and value him in and around the club. He’s a top player and a top person.”

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