An update has emerged involving Newcastle United and their efforts to sign Jesse Lingard this month...

What's the talk?

Sky Sports reporter Pete Graves has revealed that the Magpies have failed in their attempt to land the midfielder on a temporary basis.

He tweeted: "#nufc tried to get Lingard on loan ahead of trip to Leeds as talks continued into the night. #mufc favour permanent deal. Gonna take a substantial offer to both club and player to force this one through before deadline day."

Fans will be worried

Newcastle fans will surely be left feeling worried by this update, as it does not suggest that the club are close to reaching an agreement with Man United for Lingard's services. Instead, it casts doubt over whether or not they will be able to sign him this month, with the Red Devils seemingly wanting a hefty fee to allow him to leave Old Trafford.

 

Supporters will be worried and frustrated by this, as Lingard could be an excellent signing for the Magpies. They are 19th in the Premier League table and in desperate need of an injection of quality, which is exactly what the England international could offer them on Tyneside.

The 29-year-old joined West Ham on loan last season and produced nine goals and five assists in 16 games. This highlights the level of talent he is able to bring to the table in the English top flight and shows why signing him could improve Eddie Howe's chances of keeping Newcastle in the division, which is why the Toon Army will be worried about missing out on him.

However, it is worth noting that Lingard is out of contract at the end of the season, so the Magpies could bide their time and attempt to sign him for nothing in the summer. Whilst the fans may not appreciate it in the short-term, given the severity of their situation in the Premier League right now, it could make greater financial sense for the club if they are set on him as a transfer target.

Instead of shelling out a 'substantial' fee in January, Newcastle could wait until the end of the campaign and then snap him up without having to pay a penny in transfer fees. However, they may not be able to do that if they fail to avoid relegation, and that is why fans will be worried by this news and what it means for the current window, as well as their prospects for the remainder of the campaign.

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