Eddie Howe breaks Newcastle's silence on failed transfer for Manchester United's Jesse Lingard

Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe has admitted to being a fan of Manchester United attacking-midfield ace Jesse Lingard following his failed move to Tyneside on transfer deadline day.

After being restricted to just 14 appearances in all competitions since the start of the season, Lingard was given the green light to leave Old Trafford during last month's transfer window, sparking interest from the likes of Newcastle and former loan club West Ham United.

Newcastle held extensive talks with United in an attempt to take Lingard on loan for the remainder of the season but were unable to meet the Reds' hefty financial demands.

Lingard, who is out-of-contract at Old Trafford in the summer, will now be looking to force his way into Ralf Rangnick's thinking over the coming weeks and discover whether or not United were right to deny him a temporary exit for the second season in succession.

Although Howe has refused to be drawn on the ins and outs of Newcastle's interest in the midfielder, he has admitted to being an admirer of his talents.

Howe said: "Jesse Lingard is a player I have always admired. And that's probably the best thing to say."

Lingard, who will be part of United's squad for Tuesday evening's trip to Burnley, was retained by United, according to Rangnick, as a result of the ongoing unavailability of Mason Greenwood.

Lingard, who later disagreed with Rangnick's admission, played no part in Friday evening's FA Cup defeat to Middlesbrough after, according to Rangnick, asking for some extra days off to get his head in the right place after a turbulent end to the window concerning his future.

However, Rangnick, speaking on Monday afternoon, insisted he has no issues with the England international and