Jesse Lingard’s hopes of joining Newcastle on deadline day may be scuppered by a change of circumstances at Manchester United, 90min understands.
Newcastle had rekindled talks with Lingard, who terms were already agreed with following earlier negotiations, and confidence was high at St James’ Park that a deal could be finalised before the winter window slams shut.
Manchester United, who have already loaned out Anthony Martial to Sevilla this week and have allowed Donny van de Beek to talk with Everton, were gearing up to sanction Lingard’s departure, but the situation regarding teammate and England colleague Mason Greenwood means the move has not been signed off by Old Trafford bosses.
90min understands that Newcastle and United had been approaching an agreement, before it was confirmed that Greenwood had been arrested.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed on Sunday that a man in his 20s has been arrested on suspicion of rape and assault after they had been made aware of “online social media images and videos posted by a woman reporting incidents of physical violence.”
United had announced in the preceding hours that Greenwood ‘would not return to train or play any matches until further notice’, effectively suspending him from the club.
“We are aware of images and allegations circulating on social media,” a club spokesperson initially said on Sunday morning, adding: “We will not make any further comment until the facts have been established. Manchester United does not condone violence of any kind.”
Now both Newcastle and Lingard are awaiting a definitive decision from United ahead of the Monday’s deadline.