Newcastle United notebook: Jesse Lingard Toon snub, Duvan Zapata audition and Trippier squad number

The England international signed for Nottingham Forest this week with his representatives keen to point out he will be on an £80,000 per week deal plus bonuses that could take him over £121,000 in his weekly pay packet. However, a lucrative signing on fee was also paid to Lingard and the deal is only for an initial year.

There's no doubt the man who once lit up Old Trafford and West Ham's London Stadium would have been a welcome addition for Howe, who stated he "admired" him in January, but the Magpies are determined not to unsettle the dressing room with any extravagant wages or fees. And Howe is keen to find players who are keen to play for the club and the fans ahead of financial gain.

The fact that Lingard was offered a competitive deal and the chance to be a hero at Newcastle but opted against it helped make up United's mind and move on.

Newcastle United were linked heavily with the Colombia international throughout 2022 but those close to the striker say there has not been a solid bid for his services. But one way or another, Newcastle fans are likely to see Zapata at St James' Park.

The Magpies face Atalanta on July 29 with the Serie A side heading to Tyneside for a high profile friendly. Zapata is believed to be keen on a move to England and may have a point to prove in this one.

Zapata has started pre-season with Atalanta but there are suggestions that he may not finish it from his camp with a "watch this space" message emerging this week. A fee of €25million is mooted and after scoring over 100 goals in Serie A he would be regarded as a marquee addition to Eddie Howe's squad.

Newcastle United full-back Kieran Trippier could be set for a new shirt number for the 2022/23 season in the Premier League. The