Newcastle United are still interested in signing Jesse Lingard this summer, according to a report from Scott Wilson for the Northern Echo. 

The lowdown: Free bird

Upon the expiry of a contract at Manchester United, Lingard is currently a free agent having spent 14 years at Old Trafford, making 231 appearances for the club and spending time on loan at Leicester City, Brighton, Birmingham and Derby County in the process.

During the 2020/21 campaign, the 29-year-old spent a temporary loan spell at West Ham where the versatile attacker endeared himself to the club with a host of outstanding displays and rekindled his career at the elite level whilst also earning a recall to the England squad under Gareth Southgate.

However, Lingard became disenchanted once more back in Manchester and is now searching for a new home amidst interest from West Ham, Everton and seemingly, Newcastle.

The latest: 'Retain an interest'

As per the Northern Echo report from Wilson, the Magpies are believed to 'retain an interest' in acquiring Lingard's services.

It's claimed that ownership group PIF are 'adamant they will not dismantle their wage structure' in order to sign the 32-cap England ace, but the club have 'rekindled' an interest following on from January and continue to hold discussions regarding a potential arrival on a free transfer.

The report also states that the attacking midfielder, who was described as 'absolutely ruthless' by football writer Kaustubh Pandey last year, wants in excess of £100,000-a-week as well as a 'significant signing-on fee' upon making a move.

The verdict: Stand firm

Many might've anticipated free-spending upon the arrival of the new owners at St James' Park, however, it appears as though those in situ are unwilling to splash the cash without due care and attention.

Although Lingard's undoubted quality, apparent likability to supporters and experience would represent a smart addition to Eddie Howe's ranks in the North East, the Englishman's demands would see him usurp Chris Wood and Kieran Trippier as the highest-paid player at the club immediately (Salary Sport), a step the Magpies are clearly uncertain about taking as things stand.

Having earned a reported £80,000 a week during his final year at Manchester United, Newcastle would be well served to make an offer of a similar ilk to sign the man who still holds a perceived market value of £16.2m, despite his free-agent status.