Aston Villa 'monitoring' Manchester United star as shock transfer claims made

Aston Villa are reportedly amongst a host of Premier League clubs interested in signing Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard.

The former Birmingham City loanee has struggled for game time at Old Trafford this season and is yet to start a single Premier League game.

Last season, Lingard left United on loan in January and revived his career at West Ham as he registered 14 goal contributions in just 16 appearances, scoring nine goals and claiming five assists.

But he has failed to pin down a starting place under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and now Ralf Rangnick this term and another January loan switch is expected before Monday's deadline.

Newcastle United have been strongly tipped to sign the 29-year-old this month, but a move now seems unlikely.

Lingard is said to be prepared to join Newcastle, 19th in the Premier League, in an effort to force his way back into the England squad for their March internationals against Switzerland and the Ivory Coast and there are no issues over a loan fee or wages.

However, the claim United have demanded an overall package of £15million for their midfielder just to join Newcastle on loan as they are seeking a survival bonus.

With both clubs failing to agree terms, Burnley have been suggested as an alternative for Lingard, while the MEN also report that Leicester, Everton and Villa are also 'monitoring' Lingard's situation.

Villa have already completed four deals this month as Philippe Coutinho, Lucas Digne, Calum Chambers and goalkeeper Robin Olsen have all joined.