Newcastle United should snub Jesse Lingard to sign a defender in the January transfer window, according to former star Jose Enrique. The Magpies are expected to spend in the January transfer window amid their fight to avoid Premier League relegation under Eddie Howe.
Adidas and Manchester United have launched their official 2021/22 home jersey, putting a modern twist on their classic club styles.
January presents the first opportunity for Newcastle to invest in the squad since October's Saudi Arabia-backed takeover.
And Lingard, who is entering the final six months of his Manchester United contract, is reportedly on Howe's new year wishlist.
They have endured a woeful season so far and are sat 19th in the table, with the 1-0 win over Burnley two weeks ago their only win in 16 games.
Steve Bruce's dismissal and Howe's arrival gave supporters new hope of survival. Still, Sunday's 4-0 defeat at Leicester City was a damning reminder of the alarming lack of quality among the current playing staff, particularly in defence.
Jesse Lingard could leave Man Utd in January. (Image: GETTY)
Enrique, Newcastle's left-back for four years from 2007 to 2011, believes the club must prioritise signings at the other end of the pitch to Lingard.
He told BeMyBet: "[Jesse] Lingard is a good player, but I'm not sure he's what Newcastle need. He could do well, but it depends on how much they want to spend.
"If they can spend as much as they want I would say 'yes, get him and get defensive players as well'. The priority for Newcastle is to improve the holding midfield and the defence as well.
"Willock is similar to Lingard, Saint-Maximin can play that kind of position. Almiron is not playing much as well, so they have options. It's more defensively that they are struggling."
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If Newcastle want to invest most of their January budget elsewhere, they now have the financial means to sign Lingard on loan until the end of the season.
The club could then recruit the 28-year-old permanently next summer ahead of Howe's first full season at the helm.
After impressing on loan at West Ham United in the second half of last term, Lingard opted to stay at Old Trafford and fight for his place.
Eddie Howe will want to bolster his squad next month. (Image: GETTY)