Newcastle tipped to make Jesse Lingard first signing of transfer window with Man Utd set to lose midfielder next month
NEWCASTLE have been urged to make Manchester United star Jesse Lingard their first signing when the transfer window opens next month.
The attacking midfielder's contract at United ends next summer and it's looking increasingly unlikely that he will be given - or accept - an extension.
Since returning to the Red Devils this summer after a successful loan spell with West Ham last season, Lingard hardly got a look in under ex-boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The 29-year-old doesn't seem to fit into United's new interim boss Ralf Rangnick's plans either - fuelling speculation that he could leave the club in January.
And pundit Jamie Redknapp reckons now's the time for the Magpies to pounce on the disgruntled attacking midfielder and bring him to St James' Park.
The Red Devils wouldn't want to let Lingard leave for free at the end of the season, so Redknapp thinks Newcastle can get him for a good price if they move swiftly.
The Tyneside club are languishing just above the bottom of the Premier League table with the worst defensive record in the division at the moment.
However, Redknapp believes Lingard can provide the Magpies with the goals needed to fire them back up the table.
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At the moment, Toon striker Callum Wilson is providing Eddie Howe's side with most of their goals but they need another hitman to share the load, Redknapp reckons.
Speaking just before the Magpies' Prem clash with league leaders Manchester City, he said: "[Newcastle] can't just keep relying on Callum Wilson to get them the goals.
"Certain individuals are getting mentioned, obviously Jesse Lingard's had a shout.
"Now, if I was Newcastle he'd be my first signing, he's out of contract in the summer, you'd get him at a good price.
"He's the sort of player [they need] great mentality [and] goals in him."
But Newcastle will have to fend off interest from the Hammers who are also said to be keen on their ex-loanee.
Earlier this month, boss David Moyes admitted that he was looking to boost his attacking options in January as his side look to secure a top-four spot in the league.