Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan believes Jesse Lingard would be the 'perfect playmaker' Newcastle are missing.
The Magpies were locked in negotiations with Rald Rangnick's late into the night, with Man United said to prefer a permanent transfer.
However, the Red Devils boss remains keen on keeping the England international at the club, but with the World Cup approaching, Lingard wants guarantees over playing time.
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Eddie Howe's side are sitting second bottom in the Premier League with one of the worst defences in the league and while they're working behind the scenes to address that, it's no secret that players are worried over relegation.
Lingard was instrumental for West Ham United last season as they secured European football, but the Red Devils are now competing with the Hammers for a top-four finish and are reluctant to sell to the London club.
Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan said: “He’s worth taking on board because he will make a difference to the side.
“I think that’s what’s missing behind Saint-Maximin, Chris Wood and Almiron, that playmaker.
“That one player that can find the pass, can do something a little bit different like we saw at West Ham last season.
“He’s very intelligent and he’s got a great technique. I think that’s what is missing in Newcastle’s side at the minute.
“You’ve got a great front three with all kinds of different superpowers. Just behind them is where they’re lacking in that creativity. Lingard, I think he’s perfect.”
