Newcastle United were wary of smashing the club's wage structure to sign Jesse Lingard earlier this summer before the attacking midfielder joined Nottingham Forest.
Eddie Howe is a long-term admirer of Lingard and previously tried to sign the 29-year-old on loan from Manchester United in January as the Newcastle boss looked to add more goals to his side. ChronicleLive previously revealed that Lingard was 'gutted' to miss out after the Red Devils demanded an exorbitant loan fee.
It is obvious why Howe attempted to bring in Lingard in the mid season-window. Lingard's goals, alone, helped West Ham secure 10 points during his previous loan spell at the London Stadium and he also chipped in with four assists.
READ MORE: Leicester hold-up hints at Newcastle transfer thinking after Brendan Rodgers' quality prediction
Newcastle could still use a player like that now, as the Magpies' search for firepower continues, but, tellingly, Howe did not resurrect a move for Lingard earlier this summer. Although Newcastle would, obviously, not have had to pay a transfer fee to sign Lingard, the club would have had to agree a hefty signing-on fee and make the England international the squad's highest earner.
In fact, Lingard has become the highest paid player in Forest's history after signing a one-year deal with the club. Various sums have been briefed, including a jaw-dropping figure close to £200,000-a-week, but Lingard is thought to have signed a deal worth at least £120,000-a-week including bonuses.
Howe is conscious of not disrupting the harmony of the group with each new addition and, as talented as Lingard is, a number of key players would have legitimate grievances if he was paid more. There will come a time in the future where Newcastle will break that ceiling, but it will be done gradually as the club climbs the table and revenues are boosted through new sponsorship deals.
It is also worth noting that Lingard turns 30 in December and while Howe has prioritised Premier League experience for certain positions, such as goalkeeper and left-back, the Magpies boss also recognises he needs to reduce the average age of his squad. Given how Newcastle are not in an intense relegation scrap anymore, like they were in January, Howe is more open to working with younger signings from the continent who need time to settle in.
READ NEXT
Newcastle transfer profile wish as club prepare to say emotional farewell to another stalwart
RB Salzburg make Benjamin Sesko transfer situation 'very clear' after agent's Newcastle visit
Newcastle owners excited as Premier League about to be shaken up
Newcastle's 'top quality players' search as a couple more deals targeted after Moussa Diaby blow
Eddie Howe reveals 'richest club in world' truth as Newcastle transfer targets' prices go up
