Eddie Howe has told The Chronicle that he has always been admirer of Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard – and kept the door ajar for a possible Newcastle move. Newcastle failed with a late loan bid in January.
Lingard, 29, is out of contract in the summer and while he has remained at Old Trafford – his long-term future remains up in the air. ESPN reported last week that Newcastle, West Ham and Tottenham are options for Lingard.
Newcastle tried to make a late move in the January window to bring the England star to Tyneside – with Lingard said to be keen on a move. However, he has remained at Manchester United until the summer.
Asked if Lingard remains an option and could be targeted in the summer, Howe responded, on Monday. He said that he remains a long-term admirer of Lingard – stopping his answer short in order not to give anything away.
“Jesse Lingard is a player I have always admired,” Howe told the Chronicle. “And that’s probably the best thing to say.”
Howe on Lingard: Newcastle have got to try again in the summer
Of his admirers, you would argue that West Ham are best placed. He starred on loan at the Hammers last season, scoring nine goals and laying on five assists in 16 games for the London side. But he did not move permanently.
A move to Tottenham would see Lingard join one of the Premier League’s biggest clubs – but would he start? He might be used, more in a rotation option. But a move to Newcastle or West Ham would see him start.
Newcastle would be able to blow West Ham out of the water financially and that places the Toon as a potential destination. But a reunion with West Ham is surely, the most likely. It might depend on their finish this season.
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