Former Aston Villa and Tottenham boss Tim Sherwood believes Jesse Lingard should push for the opportunity to join Newcastle United on loan ahead of the January transfer window closing on Monday evening.
The Manchester United midfielder, who spent the second half of last season on loan at West Ham, has been the subject of non-stop speculation throughout this month's window and Newcastle have cemented themselves as genuine contenders to sign the England ace.
However, despite already attempting to lure the attacking-midfielder to St James' Park, their efforts have not, so far, paid off. United are understood to have demanded an overall package of £15million from Newcastle to sign Lingard, with this month's window representing the Reds' last chance to secure a fee for him, because of his contract expiring at the end of the season.
Newcastle, however, have not been prepared to meet United's demands, even though the cost of covering his wages and the loan fee itself is not an issue.
Nevertheless, with Lingard's short-term future hanging in the balance ahead of the window slamming shut, Sherwood has urged Lingard to try and push though a move to Tyneside, a move which the midfielder is understood to be happy to make.
Sherwood told Sky Sports : "I think it's Man Utd saying ‘we've mismanaged it. Let's get to a situation now where (we can) scramble as much money as we possibly can for a really good asset'.
"They don't want to use him. That's quite clear.
"When he went to West Ham was a brilliant signing, it was fantastic for him.
"If I'm Jesse Lingard, or if I'm his representative, I'm telling him to sit where he is. I think Jesse should say 'yes, okay, I'll go to Newcastle'.
"I would say to Man Utd I want to leave the club."
Although Sherwood is keen to see Lingard join Newcastle and secure regular first-team football, he believes it's important that the former West Ham loanee makes the move on loan, implying that he will have far better offers in the summer when he is out-of-contract.
"The queues are going to get longer at the end of the season, there'll be many more options for him," added Sherwood.
"I'd go to Newcastle with a view (that) if they stay in the league I want to buy into the project for the future.
"I would go there and certainly take on the challenge of playing football for Newcastle but I wouldn't be signing any long-term contracts away from Man Utd because I want to see who's joining the queue at the end of the season."
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