Newcastle ‘make contact’ over Jesse Lingard transfer from Man Utd with struggling Toon lining up January bid

NEWCASTLE have made contact over a transfer move for Manchester United star Jesse Lingard, according to reports.

The Magpies are said to be “seriously interested” in signing the attacking midfielder.

ReutersNewcastle have made contact over the move for Jesse Lingard[/caption]

That is according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, who reports the two parties are yet to reach an agreement.

Instead, Romano suggests the race to sign Lingard is still open with other Premier League clubs linked with a move.

West Ham took the 28-year-old on loan last January and were rumoured to be interested in securing a permanent deal last summer.

The Hammers failed to agree a deal with United and were put off by his £25million price tag.

But Lingard’s contract expires at the end of the season so the Red Devils will likely reduce their asking price.

That could entice the likes of AC Milan, Roma and Barcelona to make a move having been linked with the Englishman.

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But Newcastle have reportedly made Lingard their no1 target and are prepared to make him the highest earner in their history, as well as offering United a substantial transfer fee.

It promises to be a busy transfer window for Premier League strugglers Newcastle.

Along with Lingard, Eddie Howe also has his eye on the likes of Ross Barkley, Nat Phillips, James Tarkowski, Kieran Trippier and Harry Winks.

Howe said: “Processes are happening above me to prepare for January.

“My immediate focus with the number of games we have is the team and the players we have and trying to maximise their ability.

“Everyone is doing their jobs behind the scenes but I’m focusing on the team at this current time.”

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