As per reliable reporter Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News, there has been an update on Tottenham Hotspur's chase for Manchester United playmaker Jesse Lingard.

The Lowdown: Spurs make contact...

The Lilywhites and manager Antonio Conte are believed to be eyeing Lingard ahead of a possible move with the club still arguably having failed to replace the goals from midfield of former star Christian Eriksen.

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Indeed, transfer chief Fabio Paratici and Spurs have apparently sounded out the 29-year-old's representatives with another solid source in Alasdair Gold breaking that news earlier in January.

The Tottenham correspondent first revealed that the Lilywhites had made contact to sign Lingard with Luckhurst now sharing an update on their pursuit.

The Latest: Lingard favours London move...

According to his information, the £100,000-per-week attacker is now attracting real interest from Newcastle United as they work on a move.

However, Luckhurst claims that Lingard favours a return to London over a switch to St. James' Park with Tottenham eyeing a permanent free summer move.

In terms of his possible January signing, it is believed that the Red Devils are unlikely to do business with Spurs given they're a direct top four rival.

The Verdict: Great free agent option...

Scoring nine goals and assisting four others over 16 Premier League appearances last season on loan at West Ham (WhoScored), Lingard comes as a potential free agent signing who could provide a real injection of threat.

Depending on how Newcastle fare in negotiations, Conte and Spurs supporters alike will be hoping they still have the opportunity to swoop in and sign the England international for free later this year.

For no transfer fee, he could certainly be a real snip, with Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson even calling him a 'diamond' (via The Metro).

He would also help to fill Tottenham's homegrown quota in what would be another boost for the club.

In other news: Spurs edge closer to first January signing as Conte personally eyes 'massive' £15m man, find out more here.