Shay Given has said on Sky Sports News (9:25pm, January 31, 2022) that Manchester United attacking midfielder Jesse Lingard would have been a perfect signing for Newcastle United in the January transfer window.
The former Newcastle goalkeeper has said that Lingard, who can also operate as a winger, is a fantastic footballer.
Given said: “He would have been perfect for Newcastle, of course. Lingard’s a fantastic player.”
Newcastle United really tried for Jesse Lingard
In our opinion, we cannot blame Newcastle for not being able to sign Lingard in the January transfer window.
Eddie Howe’s side really tried very hard to bring the former West Ham United loanee to St. James’ Park, especially on January transfer deadline day.
The Athletic reportedly early on Monday morning that the 29-year-old was going to make a final push to convince Manchester United to let him leave for Newcastle.
Then in early evening, The Athletic reported that Manchester United have made the decision not to allow the 29-year-old to leave, despite his current contract running out at the end of the season.
We agree with Given – Lingard would have been brilliant for Newcastle.
The Magpies need(ed) an attacking midfielder to create chances and make their attack more potent.
Lingard would have done that, just as he did at West Ham during his loan spell in the second half of last season.
The 29-year-old scored nine goals and gave four assists in 16 Premier League appearances for the Hammers.
Meanwhile, former Arsenal star Paul Merson has raised doubts on Matt Targett, and is quoted as saying in The Chronicle: “Targett, is steady but he played behind Jack Grealish for the last two or three years that maybe made him a better player.
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