Newcastle United are wary of the impact Jesse Lingard could have for Nottingham Forest in next weekend’s season opener.
The summer signing caught the eye on his first run-out for the Reds in their final friendly, playing almost 80 minutes of the 1-1 draw against Valencia. Although not quite at full match sharpness, Lingard showed glimpses of what he has to offer Steve Cooper’s side.
It’s likely he will make his competitive debut in less than a week’s time, when Forest make their Premier League return at St James’ Park. The Magpies were interested in Lingard earlier in the summer, and midfielder Bruno Guimaraes says they must keep tabs on the former Manchester United man when he lines up against them.