Manchester United could make room for West Ham loanee Jesse Lingard in their squad for next season, according to ESPN.
Having barely featured under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the northwest, the 28-year-old joined the Hammers on loan on transfer deadline day and has since recaptured his form and confidence.
Without a clause to make the deal permanent at the end of the season, the Old Trafford club could reportedly look to sell attacking midfielder Juan Mata in order to reintegrate Lingard back into their squad next season.
With three goals in his first four matches for the Irons, the former England regular has put himself back in the shop window, as fellow Premier League side Leicester City also show their interest.
Mata has also found himself on the periphery at Manchester United and the 32-year-old could end a seven-year spell in the northwest, having arrived for £40.26m in 2014.
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West Ham can still hold out hope of landing Lingard permanently, who would surely be reluctant to return to his parent club if he is to only play a bit-part role.
Replacing Mata’s duties in the squad would barely be an appealing prospect, and with Solskjaer potentially strengthen his squad in the summer, regular first team football seems some way off for Lingard at Old Trafford.
By contrast, during his short spell at the London Stadium, the 24-cap England man has flourished and has instantly become a huge part of David Moyes’ plans.
