Newcastle have told Manchester United they are willing to sign Jesse Lingard on a permanent deal and talks are ongoing between the two clubs.
Lingard has been unable to force his way into United's team after a successful loan spell at West Ham last season yielded nine goals in 16 Premier League games. He's started just once for United this season and those lack of minutes have led many to believe that his career at Old Trafford is finally coming to an end.
90min learned on Wednesday that Newcastle had made an initial offer to sign Lingard on loan, which was swiftly rejected by the Red Devils. However, the Magpies have now made it clear that they are willing to complete on a permanent deal and talks are ongoing with United.
Newcastle are even willing to make Lingard, who has just six months left on his United contract, the highest-paid player at the club, with manager Eddie Howe and the club's hierarchy ready to do whatever it takes to strengthen the squad.
But 90min understands that Lingard remains unsure about moving to the North East, given their precarious Premier League position, and would ideally like to keep his options open until the summer.
Aside from Newcastle, Lingard has been linked with a return to West Ham, who retain an interest in him after a stunning four-month loan spell last season, while Tottenham and Atletico Madrid are also known admirers.
Elsewhere, Newcastle are still trying to push through deals for Diego Carlos and Hugo Ekitike, and are interested in taking out-of-favour Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno on loan.
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Source : 90min