Rumour Mill: Will Jesse Lingard opt for Newcastle loan?

Numerous credible sources have confirmed over recent days that, of the many players linked with Newcastle this month, Jesse Lingard is a genuine top target of Eddie Howe and their new ownership.

Lingard is barely getting pitch time at Man United and his contract is up in the summer. A permanent move to Tyneside is therefore off the table, as Lingard wants to assess all options rather than commit to a side that may be relegated to the Championship.

If Lingard can be convinced of a loan move, the Magpies will desperately hope Lingard has a similar impact to what he had at West Ham last season – and what they themselves had with loanee Joe Willock.

His 16 matches in East London brought 14 attacking FPL returns and an average of 6.625 points per game – including a very quiet end to his season. At his peak, a spell of seven games brought seven goals, three assists and 65 points, becoming essential to the point that his price shot up from £6.0m to £6.7m.

Although Newcastle’s main problem is in defence, they’re hoping to transform the squad as much as possible in their quest to avoid relegation. Only Norwich and Wolves have provided fewer FPL midfielder goals so far this season. There’s a lucrative summer move to play for so, if Lingard can provide the short-term push needed to drag them over the line, it would be a deal that benefits both parties.

And Lingard may be frustrated enough to agree, having only played 89 minutes of league football and yet still emerging with two goals. Priced in the game at £6.7m, he comes at a similar price point to James Maddison, Philippe Coutinho, Jarrod Bowen and Raphinha.