Newcastle plot bargain bid for Lingard

They may have seemingly unlimited financial resources after their Saudi Arabian-led takeover, but Newcastle United don't want to fork out millions of pounds with every single transfer they complete. That is why they are also studying the market for bargain options, with a move for Jesse Lingard falling into that category.

Lingard returned to Manchester United in the summer after a successful loan at West Ham, but he has played just 273 minutes at the Red Devils in the 2021/22 season.

The England international wants a move and his contract expires in the summer, meaning he'll be a free agent and able to pick from an array of clubs.

Despite his upcoming free agency, Lingard would consider a January move to Newcastle as long as the terms are right for his long-term future. He knows he would get minutes there and his close friend Kieran Trippier has just joined.

From Manchester United's point of view, they would reportedly be willing to let Lingard go for a knockdown price, in order to collect some cash for him now before losing him for free in the summer. Depending on the exact terms, they could even consider letting him spend the final six months of his contract on loan, to clear his salary off their books and to free up more space in the dressing room.

Even though Newcastle are in the same division as Manchester United, they're not a direct rival and that could see the bosses at Old Trafford sign off on the move, which would boost the Magpies in their relegation fight without costing a fortune.