West Ham United remain keen on Manchester United star Jesse Lingard and hope that an agreement can be reached this winter
According to Football Insider, West Ham United retain hope of landing Manchester United star Jesse Lingard following the latest developments on the player’s situation at Old Trafford.
The 28-year-old spent the latter half of the 2020/21 campaign on loan with the Hammers. He made 16 appearances for David Moyes side, scoring nine goals and assisting five more. This saw the Hammers make a late push towards an unlikely top-four finish.
While they ultimately fell short, Lingard made enough of an impression at the London Stadium to warrant further probing. West Ham were heavily linked with the player in the summer but were unwilling to meet United’s £30 million asking price.
Despite the disappointment, the Hammers remain interested in the player and hope to sign him in the winter transfer window. Talks are set to continue with Lingard’s entourage, hoping that an agreement can be reached for a transfer.
West Ham appear increasingly keen on the player and are open to various deals, including permanent, loan, and loan-to-buy options. Lingard, for his part, is in the final 12 months of his contract at Old Trafford and has a decision to make regarding his future.
The Englishman offers Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side great strength in reserve but is far from guaranteed regular playtime. It appears to be something on the player’s mind as well. Lingard rejected a contract offer from United and appears to be considering his options ahead of next summer. He has so far played just four minutes for United this season in all competitions.
Unlike at United, Lingard can be the talisman of David Moyes’ West Ham side. He played a starring role for the Hammers during his short stay and can pick up from where he left off. Currently, in his prime, a move to West Ham may be less glamourous, but it will see him play regularly and also occupy a key role in the team.
He has the necessary traits to flourish in the right system that can play to his strengths. Something Solskjaer has failed to do and Moyes excelled at. Lingard has every right to be annoyed at being omitted from England’s Euro 2020 squad. His chances of making it to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar are remote if he continues to warm the bench at United.
A January switch to West Ham could be the best solution for all parties involved. The Hammers gets their man while Lingard returns to a side who know how to coax the best out of him. More so, United will also land themselves a transfer fee for a player who could potentially depart on a free later that year. A win-win.
