West Ham’s hopes of Jesse Lingard return aren’t dead even if Man Utd star joins Newcastle

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West Ham United could yet reignite their romance with Jesse Lingard this year, despite Newcastle United’s efforts to secure his services in January. Lingard has entered the final six months of his Manchester United contract and is showing no signs of agreeing terms at Old Trafford.

According to the Manchester Evening News, Newcastle are in talks over a potential loan deal until the end of the season as they battle for Premier League survival.

The Magpies are willing to cover Lingard’s £100,000-a-week wage until July, which would make him their highest earner.

Tottenham Hotspur are also interested in the 29-year-old, but United will want to avoid strengthening a direct top-four rival.

Sky Sports claim Lingard is interested in Newcastle’s approach and could prefer a permanent move rather than a short loan.

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Newcastle completed a £12million deal for Kieran Trippier, a close friend of Lingard, earlier this month, which has impressed the United star.

However, the Manchester Evening News claim his heart is set on a return to London, should the opportunity arise.

So even if Newcastle broker a loan deal before the January 31 deadline, West Ham should still be confident of finally securing his services on a permanent basis in the summer.

Lingard’s impact at the London Stadium in the second half of last season sprung a surprise on many.

He registered nine goals and four assists in 16 Premier League games as the Hammers secured Europa League football with a sixth-place finish.

David Moyes wanted the England international to return permanently, but United priced suitors out of a move.

Lingard was happy to fight for his place at Old Trafford but has continued his fringe role under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick this season.

And West Ham eventually signed Nikola Vlasic from CSKA Moscow instead in a deal worth in excess of £25million.

With his England status hanging by a thread, Lingard will likely want to seal his United exit sooner rather than later.

If he waits until the summer, it might be too late for Gareth Southgate to consider him for his Qatar World Cup squad later this year.

United will have little interest in a straight loan, though, and Newcastle will have to pay a fee, as West Ham did last January.

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