Jesse Lingard has been urged to ditch his 'Mr Instagram' persona at Manchester United and become a 'living legend' at Newcastle United.

The Magpies have been locked in negotiations over a deal for the England international this month, with the 29-year-old's contract at Old Trafford due to expire in the summer.

Lingard enjoyed a sensational loan stint in the second-half of last season at West Ham United, but has since struggled for game-time under both Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick.

READ MORE: Newcastle United transfer news LIVE

Newcastle have been linked with moves for both the Red Devils' attacker and Tottenham outcast Dele Alli in the final week of the January window.

Reports indicate the Magpies would be prepared to pay a loan fee and Lingard's full wages to secure a mid-season switch.

Former Red Devils star Paul Parker has slammed the attacking midfielder for his social media antics, and has urged him to 'start becoming a footballer' at St James' Park.

Parker told MyBettingSites : “I think Jesse Lingard needs to go. He's nearly 30, if he's not already.

"You can't just be one of the names at Manchester United and be 'Mr. Instagram' around all these big names at a big club.

"He's got to go out and prove that he wants to play football and he doesn't need Manchester United around him.”

“He needs to stop taking pictures and start becoming a footballer."

"If it means going to Newcastle, they can demand even more from him cause he comes from Manchester United, good for him.

"They're gonna demand more from him because it seems that he wants to be Mr. Social Media and he's gonna have to demand more from himself.”

Lingard registered nine goals and five assists in 16 appearances with the Hammers last term, but the attacking midfielder has so far featured for just 88 minutes in the Premier League this season.

Parker believes the Red Devils' academy graduate could flourish on Tyneside, and believes Manchester United fans will be pleased to see one of their own playing regular football once again.

He added: “If it is gonna happen, he's going to be at Newcastle, which has got a big support base. Bigger support when they're doing well."

"If he goes and does well there, then he'll be a living legend in Newcastle. He can then do as many Instagrams as he likes in Newcastle, because they'll accept that if he's there and does well and gives his hundred percent."

"That's what he's got to do, when he goes to Newcastle, give his hundred percent and his life will be so enjoyable.

For the latest Newcastle news direct to your inbox, go here to sign up to our free newsletter

“Even Manchester United fans, if he goes and does well for Newcastle, they will be so pleased for him.

"A lot of them are disappointed that he's come back to United just to sit on the bench and are questioning him as a footballer.

"He's a Mancunian but they just want him to want to play football.”