Newcastle United target Jesse Lingard is now reportedly on the radar for Ligue 1 side OGC Nice, with the England international likely to leave Manchester United in the coming days.
According to Foot Mercato, the French club are ready to ‘overtake’ the likes of Newcastle and West Ham in the race for Lingard this January. The 29-year-old has barely featured for the Red Devils this season despite impressing for the Irons last campaign on loan.
Lingard’s contract is due to expire this summer, and whilst United remain adamant on keeping the midfielder until the end of the season, the reported Newcastle target could force through a move in the final week of the January transfer window.
Premier League interest has been strong in Lingard, however, Nice are now keen on the midfielder, with the French club sitting an impressive second-place in the Ligue 1 table under Christophe Galtier.
Nice’s interest will only complicate matters for Newcastle this January, with 90min claiming that the Toon have placed an astounding £10m loan offer for Lingard this week as an attempt to sign the United star.
Indeed, Lingard’s future is set to be away from Old Trafford, and whilst Newcastle could be an ideal destination for the attacking midfielder, Nice’s interest in the 29-year-old might be a tempting project for the England international.
Newcastle will have to go all out to lure Lingard from Nice’s interest
Nice have been one of the stories of the season following the appointment of Ligue 1’s title-winning manager last season in Galtier, and for Lingard, the French club could be an interesting next step despite interest from Newcastle.
After all, the French side sit second in the standings and could play UEFA Champions League football next season. Whilst for Newcastle, the northeast club could well be relegated even if Lingard chooses Eddie Howe’s team over Nice this January.
Indeed, joining the Toon could be a risk for Lingard, yet if Newcastle can prove their ambition to the 29-year-old over Nice, then it could be enough to sway the United star to join the Tyneside club.
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