Manchester United are “petrified” of letting Jesse Lingard leave and him proving a success elsewhere, according to those close to the midfielder.
Lingard's proposed loan move to Newcastle until the end of the season has effectively collapsed over United's insistence on a £12million survival payment if he helps the Toon stay up.
Premier League survival is worth around £100m to Newcastle and United feel they are justified in receiving a bonus payment if Lingard goes to St James' Park and helps them to avoid the drop.