Newcastle United never went back for Jesse Lingard after being put off by wage demands back in June
The England international signed for Nottingham Forest this week with his representatives keen to point out he will be on an £80,000 per week deal plus bonuses that could take him over £121,000 in his weekly pay packet. However, a lucrative signing on fee was also paid to Lingard and the deal is only for an initial year.
There's no doubt the man who once lit up Old Trafford and West Ham's London Stadium would have been a welcome addition for Howe, who stated he "admired" him in January, but the Magpies are determined not to unsettle the dressing room with any extravagant wages or fees. And Howe is keen to find players who are keen to play for the club and the fans ahead of financial gain.
The fact that Lingard was offered a competitive deal and the chance to be a hero at Newcastle but opted against it helped make up United's mind and move on.
The live audition that awaits Duvan Zapata
Newcastle United were linked heavily with the Colombia international throughout 2022 but those close to the striker say there has not been a solid bid for his services. But one way or another, Newcastle fans are likely to see Zapata at St James' Park.
The Magpies face Atalanta on July 29 with the Serie A side heading to Tyneside for a high profile friendly. Zapata is believed to be keen on a move to England and may have a point to prove in this one.
Zapata has started pre-season with Atalanta but there are suggestions that he may not finish it from his camp with a "watch this space" message emerging this week. A fee of €25million is mooted and after scoring over 100 goals in Serie A he would be regarded as a marquee addition to Eddie Howe's squad.
Pre-season hints at new shirt number for Kieran Trippier?
Newcastle United full-back Kieran Trippier could be set for a new shirt number for the 2022/23 season in the Premier League. The 31-year-old was handed number 15 when arriving from Atletico Madrid in January but has been allocated number 2 so far in pre-season.
The shirt's previous occupant was Ciaran Clark but with the Republic of Ireland international defender signing for Sheffield United, Trippier is strong favourite to be assigned the number. Fans buying shirts from Castore have been warned to wait until the official numbers are released for the start of the season before making their minds up as there is a no refund policy once they are printed.
Trippier was number 2 at Tottenham Hotspur but has 12 on his back at Euro 2020, so Castore's advice to wait until August seems sound.
Newcastle United 40-page pre season guide available to pre order now, CLICK HERE to order. Also available to purchase through local participating retailers from Saturday July 30, 2022.
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