Newcastle United wants to sign Jesse Lingard on loan but faces resistance from Man United who are wary of weakening their squad amid Covid threats.
An approach has been rebuffed as United wants to keep the England forward as a squad player, despite his contract expiring this summer.
Lingard favors a loan over a permanent transfer. This enables him to keep his options open and suppose Newcastle are to return with a sizeable loan fee then there could be movement.
However, sources reveal United is concerned about the threat of Covid depleting numbers. They are also mindful of Lingard performing well for a rival, as he did last season at West Ham.
In that regard, Newcastle’s position in the bottom three may make United more willing to do business with them.
Meanwhile, West Ham retains an interest, as do Tottenham and clubs abroad.
But Newcastle are becoming desperate for reinforcements having won just once all season.
They would be willing to cover Lingard’s full salary and offer first-team football in a World Cup year.
Meanwhile, Eddie Howe’s squad are still planning to fly to Saudi Arabia following this weekend’s trip to Leeds.
The warm-weather training camp is awaiting final sign-off but players and staff have been sorting visas for the mid-season break in Jeddah.