Former Premier League striker Noel Whelan believes no UEFA Champions League football could blow any hope of Jesse Lingard signing for West Ham.
This comes after the Hammers relinquished control of their own destiny recently having slipped out of the top four.
Since arriving on a short term deadline day loan deal, Lingard has been sensational for the Irons – leading to speculation over his future beyond the ongoing campaign.
With plenty of interest, including from the Irons in making the move permanent, Whelan has told Football Insider any hopes of a stay in east London may be blown without Champions League qualification.
Yes, I would say so. He’s a player that a lot of teams will be looking at and take if they were in the Champions League. I think a lot rides on that. He’s stepped up at West Ham. There’s no doubt that he’ll be in the Euros squad. Top players like him deserve to be on the top stage. There’s no doubt he can perform there. At his age, he’ll want to finish playing with a team who are playing in the Champions League. He’s put himself in a fantastic position to get offers and to choose the next step in his career.
There are fresh reports emerging claiming West Ham will be unable to fund a move for the 28-year-old – leaving the attacking midfielder to see out the final year of his contract at Old Trafford.
Lingard has scored nine goals and registered four assists in just 13 Premier League outings.
READ WEST HAM VERDICT
Having made such an impact at the London Stadium, signing the Manchester United loanee would’ve been a priority this summer for David Moyes.
But, with finances tighter than ever before following the crippling pandemic, a deal may well be difficult to strike given the mooted demands involved.
Moyes must also consider the other areas of the squad in need of strengthening, in particular the striker department.
