Newcastle United ‘could barge their way’ ahead of Everton in pursuit of £20 million man
Everton are working to identify targets for the January transfer window and strike economical deals. It is still unclear how much spending room will the Toffees have after a muted summer transfer window. Loan deals and bargain deals could be preferred which gives Everton a chance to snap up Jesse Lingard.
Last year, Lingard joined West Ham United on loan during the second half of the season and was on fire with his performances, helping the Hammers achieve a Europa League finish. Lingard returned to Manchester United at the end of the season. In the summer transfer window, the Red Devils rejected a £30 million offer for the Englishman who had just one year left on his contract.
Lingard was leaning towards leaving but Manchester United rejected the offer and gave him assurances over first team football. West Ham instead went for former Everton man Nikola Vlasic and Lingard remained at Old Trafford.
The situation has gone downhill ever since. Lingard is yet to start a Premier League game and has just clocked 154 minutes of football so far. With just a little over six months left in his contract, clubs are encircling around the 28 year old.
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Everton still interested in Jesse Lingard
According to the Mirror, Everton are still interested in acquiring Lingard’s services. Along with the Royal Blues, West Ham, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are also said to be keen on the Manchester United attacker.
Everton’s interest is justified. Why wouldn’t they be interested in a player who is available at such an attractive valuation? However, Newcastle United might jump ahead of all the interested parties.
As per the report, the Magpies ‘could barge their way’ ahead of the other sides, thanks to the gargantuan wealth of the new owners. The new manager Eddie Howe could have Lingard as one of his first signings as Newcastle flex their financial muscle and boast their financial power.
This could surely disrupt Everton’s plans if Lingard is a real target. He has showcased his quality at West Ham with 14 goal contributions (nine goals, five assists) in 16 games and could be a big coup for the Toffees but it is even true that the Toffees may not be able to match the offers of Newcastle United, especially now, when the club carefully navigates through the Financial Fair Play rules and Premier League sustainability rules.
Despite a managerial change, Lingard looks set to leave Manchester United. January window could be their last chance to cash in on the attacker or he walks out as a free man next summer.
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Should the Toffees sign Jesse Lingard?