Everton are reportedly battling West Ham United over a late move for Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard ahead of this week’s deadline.
According to an exclusive report by Daily Star, Everton are reportedly weighing up a move to sign Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard before the summer transfer window slams shut. The English international is also the subject of interest from West Ham United.
Jesse Lingard is coming off the back of a stunning second half of the 2020/21 season, which he spent with West Ham United. In just 16 appearances for the Hammers, the 28-year-old managed a tally of nine goals and five assists, playing a key role as they clinched a UEFA Europa League berth, before returning to Manchester United.
Back under the tutelage of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Lingard is expected to be a backup option for the Manchester United boss, who has claimed that the English midfielder is in his plans. However, with his role unlikely to increase, he could be well served with a summer departure, and there are a couple of clubs ready to swoop him away from Old Trafford – Everton and West Ham.
West Ham have retained their interest in Lingard, this time to sign him permanently, as David Moyes looks to have a squad strong enough to go through the rigours of a season filled with European football. However, his £25 million valuation has proven to be problematic for the east Londoners, who are reluctant to pay beyond their means on him.
As a result, West Ham have been linked with a couple of alternatives as well, although ahead of the deadline day this summer, they have reignited their pursuit of the Manchester United midfielder. As for Everton, they are in a precarious position over the future of Richarlison, who is being linked with a possible switch to Paris Saint-Germain.
The possible departure of the Brazilian international will force the Toffees to sign an attacking reinforcement, with Salomon Rondon and Luis Diaz among their options. However, in Lingard, Rafael Benitez will have a versatile option at his disposal, seeing as the Manchester United star can play across the three attacking positions behind the central striker.
As per the report, Everton are considering making a late offer for Lingard, and it will be interesting to see if it is good enough to meet Manchester United’s £25 million valuation. The offer West Ham present also remains to be seen, as an intriguing Deadline Day beckons the 28-year-old midfielder.
