Former West Ham striker Frank McAvennie has claimed the Hammers will refrain from making a permanent move for on-loan attacking midfielder Jesse Lingard.
Despite the impact made by the Manchester United loanee since arriving in east London, David Moyes’ men have ultimately missed out on UEFA Champions League qualification for next term.
Whilst interest in making the 28-year-old a permanent feature at the London Stadium was confirmed by Moyes himself, it’s thought the finances could make a deal almost impossible.
Now, McAvennie has told Football Insider that his former club may find it difficult to fund the move.
I’m hearing from sources they won’t sanction a move for Lingard. I hope that’s wrong, they have to go all out to get him for Manchester United. If the boy wants to stay, give him all the money he wants. Unfortunately, money is tight at the moment. For West Ham to challenge again next season, they need players like Lingard.
This season the attacking midfielder has scored nine goals and registered four assists in 14 appearances – earning an average Sofascore rating of 7.22 along the way.
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Signing Lingard permanently this summer at one stage seemed a mere formality.
Having barely featured at his parent club in the first half of the campaign, Lingard’s desire to return and fight for a place must be low.
Whilst the additional funds from Champions League football would’ve been a welcome boost, the Irons hierarchy must still do all they can in order to make the 27-cap ace a priority signing.
