Newcastle United’s attempt to sign Jesse Lingard in the January transfer window failed miserably after a tug-of-war battle with Manchester United over his proposed loan spell involving a financial clause should the Magpies stay up.
But Lingard could still secure a move to St. James’ Park this summer following the expiration of his current contract at the end of the season, after another disappointing campaign of limited opportunities at Old Trafford, as he seems destined to move on.
West Ham United remain keen on bringing him back to the London Stadium after last season’s loan spell success, but talkSPORT pundit Ally McCoist has urged the 29-year-old to sign for Newcastle over the Hammers this summer as it would “make sense”.
Speaking on talkSPORT , as reported by Manchester Evening News, McCoist said: "I think it would be a great move for both parties. Jesse, please go and get out there and start playing football. A move to West Ham would’ve been great. But a move to Newcastle, a team that are on the up and are going places. I do really think it makes sense.”
Lingard enjoyed a fruitful loan in the second half of last season at West Ham United with nine goals and five assists in 16 Premier League appearances, as the Irons secured Europa League football under David Moyes, but McCoist believes it would be better for him to join the Magpies due to the direction the club is going in under Eddie Howe.
He would certainly be presented with plenty of opportunities to star in east London, especially given the reputation he acquired following his move there in the second half of last season, but he could find it easier to rediscover his form in a team that will help to bring out the best in him.
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Staying up north may also be preferable for the midfielder, despite enjoying a successful spell in London with West Ham, while the Magpies will certainly have no issue in meeting his wage demands with their endless supply of cash. West Ham may not be keen to match his United salary should they wish to bring in other players alongside him.
Nonetheless, Lingard will be keen to prove himself and will have ambitions of re-establishing himself in Gareth Southgate’s England squad ahead of a potential last minute inclusion for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar in November, following the disappointment of his axe from the Euro 2020 setup.
The former Leicester City and Brighton & Hove Albion loanee has been limited to just 22 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring twice and grabbing one assist, which is even more disappointing for him after he was denied a move away from Old Trafford in January after making it clear he wanted to leave.
And he could be set for a lifeline at kick-starting his career with the Magpies, who are on the lookout for plenty more big signings this summer as they look to kick on and progress up the top flight table next season, and Lingard could well be one of them.
A number of faces are set to exit St. James’ Park this summer as the north east club continue their rebuild, which would be the perfect time for Lingard to come in and cement his place in a team that is in need of fresh legs.
Howe has shown how he can get the best out of individuals and revive their careers, as shown with the likes of Joelinton this season, and there is no doubt that a move to the Magpies would offer Lingard a new lease of life, which could benefit Newcastle and the England set up.
