Report: Newcastle want to 'outbid' Tottenham and West Ham for Lingard

The Northern Echo claim Newcastle want to ‘outbid’ Tottenham and West Ham in the race to sign Manchester United star Jesse Lingard in January.

Lingard, 28, is out of contract at the end of the season. The January window is likely to prove interesting for the 32-time England international.

A 90Min report earlier suggested that the exit of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could be good for Lingard – given a new manager might give him game time.

But if he is to leave, January might see him go – if United feel they would rather bring in some cash, rather than keeping him until the summer.

Of course, Lingard went on loan to West Ham last season – having a hand in 14 goals, scoring nine and creating six in 16 games. Newcastle are keen.

As are West Ham and Tottenham. The Echo report that Newcastle are ready to ‘outbid’ their two Premier League rivals in January for the midfielder.

Newcastle eye Lingard: Manchester United star perfect January addition

What makes Lingard ideal for Newcastle is that he has a big reputation. He is experienced in the Premier League, with a big personality.

That is the ideal kind of signing synonymous with a big-money takeover. But what makes Lingard pivotal, is that he would improve chances of safety.

He improves Newcastle instantly, rather than improving them in the next year or two. With the Toon in a relegation battle, that is important.

It remains to be seen how much Newcastle would want for Lingard given his contract situation – but the Toon should pay over the odds to get him.