"We're hearing" - Keith Downie drops Newcastle and Jesse Lingard claim from Sky Sports

Journalist Keith Downie insists that Manchester United are demanding a “really, really large” fee to allow Jesse Lingard to move on loan to Newcastle United.

The attacking midfielder has been at the centre of a transfer saga throughout this window, as he was first linked with West Ham United before becoming a target for Newcastle.

His future appears very much in flux.

David Ornstein of The Athletic had previously reported that a move to take Lingard from Old Trafford to St James’ Park was in danger of collapse because of the exorbitant loan fee being demanded.

The Independent has since reported that the deal is now in the balance because United are demanding a clause that would see Newcastle owe a significant amount of money if they avoid relegation to the Championship with Lingard in their team.

The report has stated that the entirety of the loan would cost the Magpies around £16m, an immense fee for a loan until the end of the campaign.

Lingard is said to be dismayed by the developments as the England international is keen to play regular football.

He has yet to make a Premier League start this season, instead just coming off the bench nine times under both Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick.

There are likely to be more twists and turns over the next few days, with the transfer deadline looming on Monday, but Downie has claimed that the clause involved is a massive stumbling block.

Indeed, a separate report from The Daily Telegraph's Luke Edwards has claimed that the deal is once again in doubt ahead of the weekend.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, he said: "It sounds like, from what we're hearing, that United are asking for a really, really large amount of money for a loan. I think it's more if Newcastle stay up, they