Manchester United are absolutely refusing to allow Jesse Lingard to join Tottenham Hotspur or West Ham United during this month’s transfer window.
That’s according to BBC Sport, who claim United have completely dismissed the notion of Tottenham or West Ham singing Lingard.
Football London reported earlier this month that Tottenham had made contact with Lingard’s representatives to discuss a potential move.
Tottenham would likely be looking towards a summer move, when Lingard’s United contract will be coming to an end.
West Ham continue to be linked too, given that Lingard was exceptional on loan at the London Stadium last season.
The 29-year-old smashed nine goals and four assists in 16 league outings during a West Ham loan spell last season.
Both clubs would probably love Lingard right now, but United seemingly don’t want to risk strengthening a direct rival for the top four.
United sit one point behind Tottenham and two behind West Ham in the battle for Champions League football.
Great news for Newcastle in Lingard pursuit
If this news boosts anybody, it’s Newcastle United.
The Magpies are desperate to sign Lingard and the attacking midfielder is understood to be interested in at least holding talks.
The problem is that Newcastle want to take Lingard on loan, a deal which would see Lingard simply run down his United contract and leave for nothing.
United don’t want that, and are seeking a small fee to engineer a permanent deal.
Lingard, knowing he will have offers from all over Europe as a free agent, may fancy waiting until summer.
This seems to be a stand-off, and it’s hard to see how a deal is done to suit all parties.
Still, with Tottenham and West Ham ruled out, Newcastle at least appear to be favourites to secure Lingard now.
With just 10 days of the transfer window to go, Newcastle will need to pull out all the stops to bring Lingard to Tyneside.
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