Newcastle enquire about ex-Everton ace and England midfielder, Leeds defender hunt latest

The biggest talker today has been a possible move to West Ham United for Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard, who has also been linked with a move to Tyneside recently.

The forgotten man of Old Trafford – yes, he's a man, Lingard is 28 now believe it or not! – has been linked with a move to link up again with his former manager David Moyes.

Sheffield United had been keen on Lingard, as revealed by the Star last month, and Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce has also been linked with a move for Lingard as he looks to add some creativity and energy to his midfield ranks this month.

But it could be London rather than Yorkshire or the North East that is the destination for the £100,000-a-week schemer.

This potential deal has lit up social media. Lingard is one of those players that divides opinion among football fans, but despite some of the comments he remains a player who at his best was starring for England in their run to the semi-finals of the World Cup not long ago.

Newcastle are definitely looking for reinforcements in the centre of the park, but Bruce – who has admitted he will have to do loan deals only – is also reportedly keeping an eye on two other fringe players, defenders Brandon Williams and Phil Jones.

The Shields Gazette reported that a framework agreement is in place for full-back Williams, but it remains to be seen if ex-Man United captain Bruce looks at his old club for more deals.

They have been linked with a move for former Everton full-back Djibril Sidibe today, with the Monaco man apparently avaialble for as little as £7million according to Foot Mercato. and have now freed up some wages after Rolando Aarons today joined Huddersfield Town.

Jones, meanwhile, has a number of potential suitors, including Burnley, after falling way down the pecking order.

Elsewhere, with Liverpool in need of defensive reinforcements, the Daily Star has linked them with Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos, but on a free transfer at the end of the season.

Jurgen Klopp has admitted it is unlikely because of finances and Covid that they will sign a player this month despite their injuries to Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez, saying: "I cannot say definitely we will not bring one in, it is just not likely because of the situation in world."

It looks like it could be a quiet window all round. Money is tight but clubs are still keeping an eye out for any deals that could happen.

Leeds United have been linked with a defender but may keep their powder dry too. YEP writer Graham Smyth told the Inside Elland Road podcast: “As it stands, we’re told that Marcelo Bielsa is content with his squad, he’s told us himself that he wasn’t expecting to buy a defender. Interestingly he didn’t rule it out, bringing someone in in January, because situations arise and opportunities arise and Victor Orta has a way of working that normally benefits the team.”