Former Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish wouldn't be surprised to see Newcastle make a move for Jesse Lingard.
The Manchester United midfielder is out of contract at Old Trafford this summer and is on a number of Premier League clubs' radars after a stellar loan spell at West Ham United last season.
The England international was a man reborn last season during his spell at the Olympic Stadium with the Hammers and was widely tipped to break into Ole Gunnar Solsjkaer's starting XI when he returned to Man United this summer.
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However, a spending spree by the Red Devils this summer has pushed Lingard further down the pecking order at Old Trafford and contract negotiations are rumoured to have hit a stumbling block, potentially paving the way for a January exit.
Man United could cash in on the 28-year-old before losing him on a free this summer.
The Hammers are one of the teams interested in signing the attacking midfielder, but Newcastle have also been linked with a move.
Lingard himself will no doubt want regular game time ahead of the World Cup in Qatar next season after missing out on Gareth Southgate's squad for Euro 2021.
Now McLeish believes a move to Tyneside could be on the cards. He said: “Lingard went to West Ham and the expectation was lifted a wee bit from his shoulders.
“Those expectations were of him being a Man United player. He showed the form that we’ve seen when he got his England caps.
“I think the guy’s got to be playing. He’s got to be playing every week in order to fulfil his career. It wouldn’t surprise me if Newcastle made a move for him.
“It’s not too far away at all. He’s certainly capable. I think that pressure, knowing what he did at West Ham, reinforces his belief in himself.”
