MANCHESTER UNITED reportedly ‘made an example of Jesse Lingard’ by blocking his transfer deadline day move to Newcastle.
The Magpies appeared to have beaten West Ham in the chase for the England international but both they and the midfielder were to suffer frustration.
Despite the star becoming a free agent in June and available to leave for nothing, the Red Devils stood firm even though he has barely featured for them this term.
Lingard, 29, has already rejected the offer of an extension and intends to run down his deal.
Interim boss Ralf Rangnick was willing to let the ace go last month but United chiefs vetoed the move.
And the Daily Mail claims that was done as a warning to other players at the club who were thinking of running down their contracts.
It is meant to show that the Old Trafford giants are prepared to let anyone thinking of doing the same know they are willing to freeze them out.
There are currently 12 of the Red Devils’ squad that will be out of contract in June 2024.
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BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FREE BETS AND SIGN UP OFFERS FOR THE AFCON
Marcus Rashford, Cristiano Ronaldo and Luke Shaw are among those – although their deals do include a 12-month extension clause.
United also look set to take a huge hit this summer.
Paul Pogba, a club record £89m signing from Juventus back in 2016, looks set to leave.
Edinson Cavani, Juan Mata and goalkeeper Lee Grant are also out of contract.
⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk