Former Premier League striker Noel Whelan has told West Ham to act ‘swiftly’ in order to sign Jesse Lingard this summer.
The Hammers interest comes after a successful loan spell at the London Stadium in the second half of the 2020/21 campaign.
Since then, Lingard has returned to Old Trafford as Irons’ boss David Moyes has admitted there is a desire to sign the 28-year-old permanently.
With just one year remaining on his current Manchester United contract and reports claiming the ace could be signed for £18million, Whelan has told Football Insider that the east Londoners should act now.
You have to go for that, haven’t you? You have to take that chance at £18million. You’re not going to get another player with that ability and quality for that price. That move needs to be done swiftly. The good thing is he’s not at the Euros. These talks can be ongoing now. Moyes will be keeping everything crossed that Lingard chooses West Ham. He’ll hope no one else pops up with an offer or an enticing contract. He was integral to how they finished last season. He does have something unique attacking wise. Moyes has a fight on his hands. A lot of clubs will see that as their ballpark for a transfer.
Lingard netted nine goals and registered five assists in 16 outings for the Hammers after moving to the club on loan in February – earning an average Sofascore rating of 7.19 in the Premier League.
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After the impact made in the run-in, Moyes will no doubt be desperate to land the 29-cap England star this summer.
Europa League qualification has only added to the need for additional strength in depth at the London Stadium, something Lingard would add in abundance across the attacking midfield areas.
Valued at £19.8million (Transfermarkt), the £18million mooted asking price would certainly represent value for money.
