Newcastle are ‘negotiating with Manchester United’ - Fabrizio Romano on Jesse Lingard’s future

As Monday’s transfer deadline approaches, Jesse Lingard’s future looks set to dominate the final few days of the market.

According to reports, the Manchester United midfielder is a target for Newcastle United, West Ham United, Tottenham Hotspur and even Nice.

The midfielder is yet to start a Premier League game this season and, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season, may have played his final game for the Red Devils.

What’s been reported?

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano explained on Wednesday afternoon that Newcastle are currently in talks with United about a deal which would see Lingard join the Magpies.

“They [Newcastle] are pushing to have a Jesse Lingard deal as soon as possible,” the journalist revealed on Rio Ferdinand’s FIVE podcast. “They are negotiating with the player, they are negotiating with Manchester United.

“They are feeling confident on the deal, so let’s see. I think there are chances for Jesse Lingard to sign this week with Newcastle. It’s not done but they are pushing.”

Meanwhile, Sky Sports claim Newcastle are willing to pay all of Lingard’s wages in an attempt to make a loan deal happen. They also say the Magpies are waiting to hear back from United.

Newcastle not the only side interested

Lingard recaptured his form on loan at West Ham the second half of last season, and the Hammers have made no secret of their desire to bring United’s No.14 back to the London Stadium.

In fact, Stuart Pearce, who is part of West Ham’s backroom staff, told talkSPORT on Tuesday that they’re still interested in signing Lingard and described his return to the club as ‘utopia’.

“There’s no doubt that I think, out there at this moment in time, that Jesse is a commodity that isn’t playing for his football club that would be of a benefit to a lot of clubs in the Premier League. That would be my personal opinion,” said the former Manchester City manager.

“Ours [West Ham] is certainly one of them. There’s no doubt. Everyone’s aware that we tried to get Jesse back again last summer, you know, and that will continue probably in this window as well.

“But it’s down to Jesse. Jesse’s got six months left on his contract and he’ll decide, and Manchester United more importantly will decide what his future is for the next six months.

“I’ll be delighted if he goes and plays, wherever he goes and plays. If he turns up at West Ham in the next three or four days, it’ll be utopia. If he goes and plays anywhere else in the Premier League, I’ll still be pleased to see him back playing.”