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Newcastle: Frank McAvennie warns Magpies against Jesse Lingard move
Former Scotland striker Frank McAvennie has warned Newcastle United against making a move for Manchester United attacking midfielder Jesse Lingard this summer.
The lowdown: Newcastle interest in Lingard
This comes after the Magpies were linked with a move for the 29-year-old amidst interest from West Ham United, where the former England regular enjoyed a magnificent revival whilst on loan last season.
Lingard directly contributed to 14 goals in just 16 Premier League outings for the Hammers in 2021 before returning to a bit-part role at Old Trafford, starting just twice in the current league campaign.
With his Red Devils contract now set to expire amid a low-key exit from his boyhood club, the Toon have been advised to steer clear of Lingard…
The latest: McAvennie slams Lingard
Speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie suggested that the 32-cap England midfielder’s apparent lack of ambition this season should be enough evidence for Eddie Howe to avoid making a move for him.
The 62-year-old explained his scepticism of Lingard by saying: “He’s a talent but if he’s going to Newcastle he’s going for the money.
“He’s just sat about this season. I don’t get it. He had the chance to go last summer? Why didn’t he take it?
“He’s lost his England place. The way he has handled himself doesn’t sit right with me. If I didn’t play I was devastated. Lingard doesn’t seem bothered at all.
“I’m afraid I don’t think this would be a good move. He had the chance to leave Man United and decided he would stay there. He’s just stayed on the bench, I can’t get that round my head. He was never going to get a game at Man United.”
The verdict: Worth the risk
Whilst McAvennie’s points are all salient ones, Lingard has already proven that he is capable of rekindling a stuttering career once before, and Howe would almost certainly back his managerial ability to get the best out of the versatile 29-year-old.
This season, the £18m-valued ace has scored twice and provided one assist in 22 appearances across all competitions under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick in what has been a disjointed 2021/22 season for the club. and indeed the man hailed as possessing a ‘unique’ skill set by former Red Devils team-mate Michael Carrick.
Where will Newcastle finish in the Premier League?
Top 6
7th - 10th
11th -17th
Relegated
Despite another disappointing campaign, Lingard’s experience of 232 appearances at Manchester United and a stylistic likeness with high-quality players such as Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard and Napoli’s Piotr Zieliński (FBRef) would make him a superb capture for Newcastle as a free agent.
In other news, talkSPORT man admits ‘concern’ over Newcastle star
