Newcastle 'working on deal to sign Jesse Lingard on loan until the end of the season'

Newcastle are reportedly interested in signing Jesse Lingard on loan until the end of the season.

The Manchester United star is out of contract in the summer and is unlikely to sign a new deal with the club due to his lack of game-time at Old Trafford.

Eddie Howe's side meanwhile are keen to strengthen their side further this month, in a bid to improve their chances of avoiding relegation.

Manchester Evening News have reported that the Magpies are working on a deal to sign the 29-year-old.

It's said the deal would represent United's best chance of securing any sort of fee for Lingard, who can leave the club for nothing in the summer.

The Red Devils obtained a £1.5m loan fee from West Ham for Lingard in the January transfer window last year.

Newcastle, who have already signed Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood this month, would also be willing to cover Lingard's £100,000-per-week wages.

West Ham wanted to sign Lingard permanently in the summer after he scored nine goals in 16 games for the club and would be interested in signing him at the end of this season.

Tottenham have also been linked with Lingard but United would unlikely let Lingard leave this month and join one of their rivals in the battle for a top-four position.

Lingard has had a frustrating season with just nine Premier League appearances - all coming off the bench.

United meanwhile are looking to strengthen their midfield further in the summer, with Aston Villa star John McGinn the latest man to be linked with a move to Old Trafford.

Scottish star McGinn, who could cost £40m, has caught the eye of two compatriots: club legend Sir Alex Ferguson and technical director Darren Fletcher.

It is expected that McGinn - who has been at Villa since moving to the club from Hibernian in 2018 - will be offered a new contract extension to remain at Villa Park.