Newcastle make approach to sign Jesse Lingard as he enters final months of contract

Lingard is out of contract at Manchester United in the summer

Newcastle United have made an approach to sign Jesse Lingard, with the midfielder's contract set to expire in the summer. Lingard has struggled for game time at Manchester United and is reluctant to sign a new contract as he goes in search of first-team football ahead of securing a place in the England squad for the Qatar World Cup. Sky Sports have said that the 29-year-old would be interested in a move to St James' Park and that Newcastle will try to use Lingard's existing friendship with recent arrival Kieran Trippier to help convince him to make the move. Newcastle are looking to bolster their squad in their bid to avoid relegation. So far, manager Eddie Howe has managed to bring in Trippier from Atletico Madrid and forward Chris Wood from Burnley. The Magpies are looking to add even further with centre-backs also a priority. Sevilla's Diego Carlos looks to be the most likely, with the defender reportedly telling the Spanish club he wants to leave and move to Newcastle. Other reports have also linked the club with a move for Atalanta wing-back Robin Gosens, however it is unlikely that the Serie A side will sell one of their key assets. https://twitter.com/SkySportsPL/status/1483792453056540675 Other reports at the Manchester Evening News have suggested that Lingard is yet to fully commit to the idea of moving to Newcastle and is considering his options, with the United midfielder said to be favouring a return to London - which could put West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur on red alert. Lingard has featured just 14 times in all competitions this season - starting just one of those games, and is currently out of contention due to an ankle injury. Related links:

• Eden Hazard rejects Newcastle, despite Real Madrid accepting their bid
• Newcastle set to make Germany defender their third January signing
• Kieran Trippier ignored by Newcastle teammates after asking them to applaud fans