West Ham are among the leading contenders to sign Manchester United outcast Jesse Lingard, according to a report from the Sheffield Star.
The one-time England regular looks set to decide on his future in the coming days after his manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer decided to allow the attacking midfielder the opportunity to leave this month.
The Hammers have been linked with a move for Lingard for some time, but David Moyes faces competition from a host of Premier League clubs as well as overseas interest in his former Red Devils protege.
Lingard, who was described as a ‘unique’ player by former teammate and current Manchester United first team coach Michael Carrick, hasn’t made a single appearance in the league this season.
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West Ham’s need for Lingard isn’t as apparent as it once was following the signings and subsequent impact of wingers Jarrod Bowen and Said Benrahma.
That said, if Moyes were able to inspire the 24-cap England international to anywhere near his best level, then the Irons would be acquiring a top-quality player with the ability to step up in big games when it matters most.
With international and European experience, if there’s a deal to be done without a crazy fee involved, it’s surely one worth exploring and could ultimately pay dividends should Lingard prove to be a difference-maker on occasion – a role in which he was adept during his best career period.
