Jesse Lingard was one of the signings of the January transfer window last year, joining West Ham United until the end of the season.
The Manchester United loanee went from Premier League obscurity, to the fringes of England's Euro2020 side.
Plenty of people felt the England international was unfortunate to miss out on Gareth Southgate's squad after an incredible end to the season.
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Lingard scored nine times in 16 appearances, registering four assists during his time with the Hammers.
His fine form at the London Stadium made alarm bells ring at Old Trafford. Had they made a mistake letting him go?
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer pledged that Lingard would be an important player upon his return to Manchester.
“Don’t forget Jesse Lingard who has re-invented himself and has come back the man that we know he is with the quality,” he told reporters in August.
"He is going to play a big part as well.”
But fast forward to January 2022, Lingard has not made a single start in the Premier League. He's made nine appearances for the Red Devils scoring twice from the bench.
Those false promises have led to speculation about his future at Old Trafford. The midfielder's contract is up in the summer and Man United risk losing him for nothing - despite numerous contract offers, according to reports.
The academy graduate had been looking forward to regular game time on his return, but that hasn't transpired.
Speaking to the Mirror in October, Lingard said: “I’ve been so excited about this season. It might sound like a funny thing to say when you’ve been at a club all your life, but I have really wanted to show people what I can do, you know what I mean?
“I don’t want to be the player who does well for just a few weeks or months. I want to show how many goals and assists I can get over 30-plus games."
West Ham are understandably one of the sides keen on signing Lingard after such an impressive season last year, but the Magpies are also keen.
Eddie Howe's side would offer regular football and the platform Lingard wants to perform. With the World Cup next season, the 29-year-old wants to be part of Gareth Southgate's plans and a loan to the Magpies could do just that.
With Newcastle in a relegation battle, it would be risk-free for Lingard in the sense he can put himself in the shop window.
The Magpies could in theory negotiate an option to buy the playmaker if they stave off relegation. Lingard is understood to be close friends with Kieran Trippier and impressed with their ability to secure his signing.
