Don Hutchinson was ‘desperate’ for Newcastle to sign Lingard in Jan

Newcastle United had lucrative funds going into the January transfer window following their takeover by Public Investment Fund, PCP Capital Partners and RB Sports & Media and were one of the busiest clubs in regard to spending.

The Magpies signed Chris Wood from Burnley, Kieran Trippier from Atletico Madrid, Matt Targett from Aston Villa, Dan Burn from Brighton & Hove Albion and Bruno Guimaraes from Olympique Lyonnais.

Despite bringing in so many arrivals, Don Hutchinson was disappointed that one player slipped through their fingers. He lamented Newcastle missing out on Jesse Lingard, telling ESPN UK: “I was desperate to get Jesse Lingard over the line towards the transfer deadline.

“But when you look at the signings Eddie Howe brought in, I’m pinching myself that we got (Bruno) Guimaraes. I can’t believe none of the top four (Premier League clubs) were chasing him, because this kid is incredible.”

Newcastle are currently 19th in the Premier League with 15 points from 21 games, having picked up just two wins all season. The Magpies are 17th in the table for goals (21), so a playmaker and a second striker were on their wishlist.

Eddie Howe was linked with Lingard and would have benefitted from having the playmaker, but he ended up staying at Manchester United following Mason Greenwood’s suspension. And the Magpies failing to sign another striker has come back to haunt them as Callum Wilson could be sidelined for the remainder of the season.

In other news, media react to Callum Wilson’s ‘dreadful’ injury blow