Rio Ferdinand has claimed his ‘betting head’ is telling him that Jesse Lingard will leave Manchester United for Newcastle United, as he told his own YouTube channel.
It has been well-documented for some while that Newcastle want to bring the out-of-favour Manchester United player to St James’ Park.
But, at this moment in time, a deal hasn’t been struck and it seems as though there have been a few roadblocks to deal with along the way.
The Athletic have reported that Newcastle’s hope of possibly signing the 32-cap England international is on the verge of collapsing because of the ‘unacceptable’ loan fee the Old Trafford-based club want for the player.
Despite that noise and worry for Newcastle, Ferdinand still thinks he will be heading in their direction.
“I am interested to see who else goes (from Man United),” said Ferdinand. “You have got Donny van de Beek sitting there. He is probably going to go somewhere.
“I am interested to see where he goes. The same with Jesse Lingard. My betting head would say probably Newcastle United with Jesse.
“But these are players that need to go out and play football.”
If Newcastle manage to sign Lingard, then it will be a real statement of intent by the relegation-threatened club.
Last January, when Lingard moved to West Ham on a loan deal, he hit the ground running and helped the London club to the Europa League.
And there is no doubt that those in a relegation dogfight will have their head in their hands if they see Lingard stripped in their Black and White kit.
It’s a case of will Newcastle back away regarding the seemingly inflated price Man United want for their player?
Or do they think it’s worth it because they have full trust in Lingard doing the business and helping them survive, regardless of what loan fee they pay?
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