Newcastle warned against signing Manchester United forward Jesse Lingard

Newcastle have been warned against signing departing Manchester United forward Jesse Lingard as part of their own summer rebuild. Lingard is set to leave Old Trafford at the end of this month after failing to agree an extension to his United contract.

A proposed mid-season move to the Magpies did not materialise for Lingard and he will be available for them — or other suitors — on a free transfer imminently. The 29-year-old also has West Ham and clubs from abroad chasing his signature in time for next season.

It was at West Ham where Lingard revived his career with a sensational loan spell last season, scoring nine goals and providing five assists in 16 appearances to put himself back in the England picture. However, he missed out on Euro 2020 selection.

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A return to United last summer did not work out as planned, either. After being promised game-time by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer following his West Ham success, Lingard was a peripheral figure throughout the campaign under both Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick and will now be desperate to start afresh at a new club.

However, one man with Newcastle connections does not think that should be in the North East.

Speaking as part of a promotion for Betting Expert, former Newcastle and Liverpool player Jose Enrique said: "I like him [Jesse Lingard], but his off the field is what I don't like too much, so I'm not sure about that. Quality-wise, he's a very good player.

"He's a good player and he did well at West Ham when he was there. I think he can do well, he's a player with a lot of qualities."