The FIVE Jesse Lingard alternatives Newcastle United could target before transfer deadline

With just hours to go until the January transfer window closes, could the Magpies complete a hasty deal to add a fifth new face to their squad this month?

Newcastle World looks at five possible options for an alternative to Lingard before tonight’s 11pm deadline.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek

The Chelsea and England midfielder was originally linked with a move to Tyneside during Rafa Benitez’s time in charge at St James Park.

After initial interest during the Magpies’ successful bid for promotion back into the Premier League two years earlier, the Spaniard registered interest in Loftus-Cheek ahead of the 2018/19 season.

That followed a successful loan spell at Crystal Palace during the previous season and a maiden competitive for England in their run to the World Cup semi-final.

The 26-year-old found it difficult to find his way into the Chelsea side on a regular basis after he remained at Stamford Bridge and further attempts to leave the club were ended by a ruptured Achilles head of the 2019/20 season.

Loftus-Cheek was allowed to join West London rivals Fulham on loan last season and made 32 appearances for the Cottagers as they fought an unsuccessful battle against relegation from the Premier League.

Once again he was forced to return to Chelsea ahead of the current season and made seven starts for Thomas Tuchal’s side before being diagnosed with Covid-19 in December.

Dele Alli

Alli is another former target of Newcastle after coming close to joining the Magpies during the summer of 2015.

United’s media team were briefed about a deal for the then-MK Dons midfielder - but a late dispute over contract terms saw the future England star move to Spurs.

Alli became a regular for Spurs and England over the following five seasons - but has found regular game-time hard to come by over the last two campaigns.

The 25-year-old has made just eight starts in the Premier League this season and looks set to make a deadline day switch to Premier League rivals Everton.

However, it is understood Newcastle are prepared to make a late bid for his services, despite the midfielder preparing to undergo a medical on Merseyside.

Ross Barkley

There is a pattern forming here!  Ross Barkley was consistently linked with a move to Newcastle during Rafa Benitez’s tenure at St James Park.

The Merseyside-born midfielder was seen as one of English football’s brightest prospects as he broke onto the scene with boyhood club Everton.

A first England cap followed in a 4-0 win in Moldova in June 2013 and the likes of Manchester United, Spurs and Chelsea were all linked with a move for the youngster.

It took a further five years for Barkley to leave Goodison Park after he joined Chelsea in a £15million move in January 2018.

After an underwhelming first six months in the capital, Barkley became a regular feature in Blues matchday squad over the following two seasons, the midfielder spent last season on loan at Aston Villa.

His return to Stamford Bridge has led to just four starts this season and Barkley could be made available for a late deal at the right price.

Takumi Minamino

There were high hopes for Japanese forward Minamino when he joined Liverpool in a £7.6million move from RB Salzburg in the January 2020 transfer window.

However, the form of Reds attacking quarter Diego Jota, Mo Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane has left the 27-year-old to play a bit-part role at Anfield.

In the two years that followed his move to Merseyside, Minamino has made just 18 starts for the Reds, with only four coming in the Premier League.

Leeds United were linked with a January move for the forward and a £20million fee was mentioned - but the Whites were forced to abandon the deal.

Divock Origi

Belgian international Divock Origi has become something of a cult figure at Liverpool since he joined the Reds in an £11.3million move from Lille in July 2014.

The forward was described as “a legend” by Jurgen Klopp earlier this season after scoring some memorable goals for the Anfield club.

However, with six months remaining on his deal, it seems likely his time on Merseyside will come to an end in the near future.

Former Newcastle and Liverpool defender Jose Enrique has suggested Origi should now look to take the next step in his career.

Speaking on Instagram, the Spaniard said: “I got on really well with him. But I think it’s maybe time for him to move on to somewhere where he has regular football.

“He can play more games. It’s enough time for him to be on the bench. He is a legend of the club. He has done so much for us to have the titles that we have in the last few years.

“But I think it’s time for him to move on. The number nine, Diogo Jota and Firmino are going to play there before him.”

The signing of Porto winger Luis Diaz has added further competition for a place in Klopp’s plans.