Newcastle Prepared To Make Man Utd Star Their Highest Earner

Newcastle United are ready to make Jesse Lingard their top earner as they look to amp up the squad in January.

The England international is in the final year of his contract which is set to expire at the end of the season. Consequently, Lingard will be allowed to speak with European clubs during the winter transfer window and sign a pre-contract.

Meanwhile, Newcastle have been linked with the playmaker ever since their takeover. But as of recent weeks, the interest has grown to the point where the Magpies are now willing to make him the highest earner in the club’s history.

According to The Times, Eddie Howe’s side are prepared to offer the Englishman upwards of £100,000-a-week – more than the current highest earner Miguel Almiron – in order to lure him to St James’ Park.

Newcastle will make a strong attempt to sign the midfielder in January and are prepared to pay a ‘substantial fee’ to secure his services.

On the other hand, it is unclear whether Ralf Rangnick will play a part in how the current situation turns out. If the Man Utd star is included in the German’s plans, it is unlikely that he secures a transfer away.

However, it is worth noting that Rangnick will step down as head coach at the end of the season, which will yet again throw the attacking midfielder’s future up in the air. Staying at Old Trafford offers almost no long-term stability for him with the current predicament.

The 28-year-old still has quite a bit of untapped potential within him. But without regular game time, it will be impossible to realise that potential; and to get more minutes on the pitch, the best options seems to be securing a move away.