Manchester United 'intend to keep Jesse Lingard until summer'

Manchester United allegedly intend to retain the services of Jesse Lingard until the end of the season.

The midfielder is out of contract in the summer, a scenario which allows him to hold discussions with foreign clubs over a potential free transfer.

Newcastle United are also said to be among the clubs monitoring the situation as they look to bring in high-profile players to keep them in the Premier League.

However, according to journalist Sam Pilger, United would prefer to keep hold of Lingard for the second half of the campaign, even if it means losing the 29-year-old for nothing.

Pilger says that United staff value the playmaker as an important member of the squad, despite Lingard being provided with just two starts in all competitions this season.

Other reports have indicated that Lingard may prefer to wait until the summer before having his pick of a wider range of clubs.