West Ham look set to fend off interest from Italian side AS Roma to retain the services of Jesse Lingard this summer, according to Claret & Hugh sources.
The source indicates that ‘senior Manchester United sources’ believe the Irons are in pole position to sign the England international on a permanent basis because David Moyes knows what makes him tick’.
Lingard extended his contract by a year to facilitate the loan move in January, retaining the player’s value.
The move ultimately suggests that Manchester United are keeping all options available to them, having also rejected an option-to-buy clause in the loan deal.
Amid confirmaiton of an enquiry from AS Roma, Claret & Hugh’s Old Trafford source told them:
‘Moyes is the main reason why Lingard has responded so well in recent weeks.
“There is a mutual respect between the pair and he knows what makes Lingard tick, with the player also in a hurry to enjoy his football again, rather than have his head turned by a club on the continent.’
Read West Ham Verdict
Based on the source’s information, it seems Lingard is most settled when remaining and the UK and would take some persuasion for his head to be turned abroad.
Lingard has been a clinical creative dynamo at the heart of Moyes’ West Ham plans since his January move, with 3 goals and two assists in just five Hammers appearances since the switch.
An increasing mainstay of the West Ham tactical set-up, a continuation of his rich vein of form would surely cement him as a top summer target for the Irons.
