Jamie Redknapp identifies the first signing he would make, if he was at Newcastle

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Jamie Redknapp has told Sky Sports that the first signing he would make, if he was Newcastle United, would be Manchester United’s Jesse Lingard. The midfielder is out of contract at the end of June.

Lingard, 29, returned to Manchester United in the summer after a brilliant loan with West Ham. Many expected the 32-time England international to sign on at the Hammers – but he returned to his boyhood club.

It is a move that has ultimately backfired. He is yet to start a single Premier League match, making eight substitute appearances. Under Ralf Rangnick, Lingard has only made the bench once in the German’s two league games.

A January move looks more and more likely as we approach the winter window. Back in October, the Telegraph reported that Lingard was one of a number of England players to have been discussed by the Toon’s board.

Available on a free, a cut-price fee could be arranged in January. Newcastle will have no problems matching his £100,000-a-week wages (Mail) – and Redknapp has urged them to sign the England star.

“Jesse Lingard has had a shout,” Redknapp said. “If I was Newcastle right now, he would be my first signing. Out of contract in the summer, good price, great mentality, he’s got goals in him.”

Redknapp on Lingard: Newcastle desperately need some midfield energy

While fans will point to the defence being the first area which requires improvement, the midfield needs it too. Kieran Trippier looks likely to be the first arrival, while centre-backs are being targeted.

In midfield, Newcastle could do with a no.10 – and a player that can form a quality front three with Allan Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson. Joelinton has been excellent, but the Brazilian is hardly the answer. Lingard could be.