Like Hammers pursuit of a striker is old news, David Moyes' pursuit of linking up with Jesse Lingard has been doing the rounds ever since the Manchester United attacking midfielder returned to Old Trafford following what was a largely successful loan spell at West Ham.
It had been assumed that 'Lings' was nailed on for a return, but instead chose to return and fight for his place under Ole Gunnar, that didn't turn out to be the best move did it? Even after it was obvious Lingard's time at Old Trafford had run it's course following Ole's dismissal and the appointment of Ralf Rangnick who, just like his predecessor has handed Lingard NO Premier League starts!
Unfortunately newly minted Newcastle's 'let's get stoned' owners are blowing all and sundry out of the water whenever a player becomes available, it is common knowledge that they have offered Jesse £200,000 per week in wages AND a transfer fee of around £5 Million to take the player David Moyes covets so much.
It HAS become increasingly clear that Lingard's situation at Old Trafford is untenable, however it is also clear that the player would prefer a move to London than to Tyneside but Manchester United will NOT play ball. Rangnick's team are unwilling to sell to a club they see as a direct rival for the Champions League berths, but their position seems to have softened a little, as we have heard that they MIGHT be prepared to business AFTER this weekend when the two clubs play each other.
Hammers lost the corresponding fixture 2-1 at home, so Saturday's fixture is the last scheduled meeting between both clubs UNLESS they are drawn together in the FA Cup. Therefore there would be no risk of Hammers using Lings to beat Man U direrctly, of course his influence on the other remaining fixtures still might be so great as to put a block on the sale.
The only element in Hammers favour is that Newcastle are a team in a hurry, their need to mantain their top flight status is so acute that they simply do NOT have the time to pussyfoot around player negotiations. IF a player is unwilling to join the, despite being offered a King's ransom they will simply move on to the next target, of which there are plenty!
!0 days remain of this transfer window, while it is our role to bring news of transfer events to the site, unlike other media outlets, we CANNOT guarantee ANY player incomings! Kurt Zouma's early return from injury AND Säid Benrahma's unexpectedly early return from AFCON, have altered the club's January transfer plans markedly.
There are few good deals available during the January window, however a little judicious bargain hunting on deadline day wouldn't go amiss, we have a feeling that this window things will go to the wire with some clubs desperate to sell their players while others are desperate to retain theirs. Expect plenty of last minute 'brinkmanship' as the clock ticks down and the customary pink shirts and dark ties are donned by presenters hoping to eek every bit of interest, true or false, until the last second they can. - LN
