Man Utd star Jesse Lingard closing in on permanent Newcastle transfer after second bid following loan rejection
NEWCASTLE are reportedly closing in on a move for Jesse Lingard after making the Manchester United star their number one priority.
Lingard, 29, was subject to a loan bid from Newcastle earlier in the week - which was rejected.
But the Magpies have returned for the attacking midfielder, making United a permanent offer this time.
The bid is currently being considered but Lingard is tempted by the generous offer, report The Telegraph.
United are believed to be more willing to let Lingard leave on a permanent basis but the player wants to keep his options open currently.
They are looking for around £12million for the England international and risk losing him for nothing in the summer when his contract expires.
But even a loan deal could include a fee in the region of £5-6m.
Newcastle have reportedly doubled their initial offer and have made Lingard their top target - ahead of Sevilla centre-back Diego Carlos.
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Toon are ready to pay Carlos £110,000 a week but there is also interest from an unnamed Premier League rival.
Eddie Howe is also after a new left-back and Newcastle are said to have an eye on Bayer Leverkusen star Mitchel Bakker.
Free agent Christian Eriksen has also been linked with a move to St. James' Park.
The former Inter Milan midfielder is plotting a return to the Premier League following his release from the Serie A champions.
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