Talks ongoing: Newcastle and PIF still considering 'absolutely ruthless' crowd-pleaser for Howe

Newcastle United are still interested in signing Jesse Lingard this summer, according to a report from Scott Wilson for the Northern Echo. 

Upon the expiry of a contract at Manchester United, Lingard is currently a free agent having spent 14 years at Old Trafford, making 231 appearances for the club and spending time on loan at Leicester City, Brighton, Birmingham and Derby County in the process.

During the 2020/21 campaign, the 29-year-old spent a temporary loan spell at West Ham where the versatile attacker endeared himself to the club with a host of outstanding displays and rekindled his career at the elite level whilst also earning a recall to the England squad under Gareth Southgate.

However, Lingard became disenchanted once more back in Manchester and is now searching for a new home amidst interest from West Ham, Everton and seemingly, Newcastle.

As per the Northern Echo report from Wilson, the Magpies are believed to ‘retain an interest’ in acquiring Lingard’s services.

It’s claimed that ownership group PIF are ‘adamant they will not dismantle their wage structure’ in order to sign the 32-cap England ace, but the club have ‘rekindled’ an interest following on from January and continue to hold discussions regarding a potential arrival on a free transfer.

The report also states that the attacking midfielder, who was described as ‘absolutely ruthless’ by football writer Kaustubh Pandey last year, wants in excess of £100,000-a-week as well as a ‘significant signing-on fee’ upon making a move.

Many might’ve anticipated free-spending upon the arrival of the new owners at St James’ Park, however, it appears as though those in situ are unwilling to splash the cash without due care and attention.

Although Lingard’s