Manchester United's demands left Newcastle target 'gutted' but he may now get what he wants

Will it be a case of third time lucky for Newcastle United and Jesse Lingard? Newcastle's attempts to sign Lingard on loan came up short in January, 2021 and, indeed, the mid-season window earlier this year, but the Magpies are now among the frontrunners to land the 29-year-old on a free transfer this summer.

As has been widely reported, Lingard has no intention of extending his stay at Manchester United after a sour end to his 20-year stay at the club and Newcastle, AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus are all interested in a player who will soon be out contract. This is, potentially, Lingard's last big deal, but ChronicleLive understands the forward simply wants to play after a frustrating season at Old Trafford. That thirst to make the England squad for the World Cup may yet work in Newcastle's favour.

Eddie Howe, after all, is a long-term admirer of Lingard's and although no one is guaranteed a place in this Newcastle side, the England international would have the best chance of getting the minutes he desires at St James' Park while playing in a league he already knows so well. Moving to Tyneside would also allow the father-of-one to stay closer to his family in the north.

From Newcastle's perspective, the absence of a transfer fee makes this an attractive deal given how the Magpies are going to have to be particularly smart to move to the next level while also complying with UEFA's new financial sustainability regulations. However, given the wages Lingard already commands at Manchester United, Newcastle are going to have to box clever when the club's salary to turnover ratio is already at around 65%.

Newcastle, at least, already have a direct line to Lingard's camp after doing a lot of work on a potential