Newcastle United 'should be all over' Jesse Lingard according to former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan after his latest contract reveal.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano claims the Magpies are “seriously interested” in a mover for the England international and have reportedly had contact with Lingard's representatives ahead of a potential move in the January transfer window.
The Manchester United midfielder has been one of the players repeatedly linked to St. James' Park following the Saudi takeover on Tyneside earlier this year.
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Eddie Howe has reiterated that his immediate focus is on working with and improving the current crop of Newcastle players, rather than looking ahead to the January transfer window.
Nonetheless, the Magpies business next month could be make or break in their bid for Premier League survival.
The Newcastle head coach refused to comment on whether a deal was as good as done for Atletico Madrid full-back Kieran Trippie r, while rumours around James Tarkowski and Lingard remain rife.
The Magpies will face competition for all three but Whelan believes a player like Lingard would help Newcastle in their fight against relegation.
“I think Newcastle should be all over him,” he told Football Insider.
“Any player they can get in January with as much experience and quality as Jesse Lingard will really help them in this relegation fight.
“He’d bolster that attack, give them that extra attacking presence and directness – not to mention the goals and assists.
“Lingard is a player who would come in and improve anyone’s side outside of that top four. He’ll be eager to impress with the World Cup coming up.”
