Newcastle United have reportedly indicated to Manchester United's Jesse Lingard that they are unwilling to meet his current wage demands ahead of a potential move this summer.
The 29-year-old sees his contract at Old Trafford expire in June, leaving him free to move clubs at the end of the season.
Newcastle and West Ham United were heavily linked with loan moves for the forward in the January transfer window, but no deal could be agreed with the Red Devils, who were reluctant to sanction anything other than a permanent transfer.
The Magpies remain interested on bringing Lingard to St James' Park this summer, but according to ESPN, Eddie Howe's side are refusing to pay his current wage demands.
Lingard's current £150,000-per-week wages are in excess of what Newcastle are prepared to pay, despite the club having a significant budget available for the transfer window following the completion of the Saudi-backed takeover last year.
The report outlines how the Newcastle hierarchy are aware of how rival clubs and agents will increase their demands due to their financial situation, but that they are also making those aware that substantial fees and excessive wages will not be sanctioned this summer.
Following Newcastle's takeover late last year, the Tyneside club forked out over £90m in the January transfer window for new signings, helping them to climb from 19th to 12th in the Premier League table since Howe took charge.
Meanwhile, Lingard has endured another frustrating season at Old Trafford, starting just two league games in a total of 16 Premier League appearances.
Matthew Tranter
