Newcastle United news as links to free agent Jesse Lingard resurface

Here are the latest Newcastle United evening headlines on Sunday, July 3.

Newcastle United are said to still be keen on signing out-of-contract midfielder Jesse Lingard this summer. The Magpies made Lingard one of their transfer priorities in the winter window, but were unable to agree upon a deal with the England international's then club Manchester United.

Lingard has since departed Old Trafford on a free after playing a bit part role last season. And the Daily Mirror reports Newcastle are still interested in landing the 29-year-old.

Lingard's spell at West Ham during the second half of the 2020/21 campaign showed he could still be a highly effective performer in the Premier League. The Hammers, alongside Tottenham Hotspur and Everton are all reportedly interested in the midfielder this summer.

Newcastle have focussed primarily upon strengthening their defence this summer with the additions of Nick Pope, Sven Botman and Matt Targett. In Lingard, they would be adding a proven Premier League starter who would improve their first choice XI.

Ex-Newcastle midfielder Dietmar Hamann reckons the Magpies need to make attacking reinforcements their next transfer priority this summer. Nick Pope, Sven Botman and Matt Targett have all joined Eddie Howe's squad this summer, helping bolster Newcastle's defence.

The Trio, alongside January signings Dan Burn and Kieran Trippier, could help form an entire new, quality back four as the Magpies look to build upon a solid 11th place finish last season. However, they have yet to make a transfer breakthrough when it comes to adding attacking depth to their ranks.

And Hamann believes that should be their priority moving forward this summer. "Defensively – Newcastle have been solid with their