Former Premier League striker Noel Whelan has backed West Ham to complete the signing of Jesse Lingard this month.
The Hammers have been strongly linked with a move for the 28-year-old following a successful loan spell in east London last season.
Despite joining back up with parent club Manchester United for pre-season, Lingard’s future remains in the balance at Old Trafford.
Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan tipped the Irons to get a deal over the line before the end of the transfer window.
I think they’d very much like to as soon as possible. Like (Joe) Willock, when he went to Newcastle, he gave them that attitude that they wanted to see. He was that difference when he came into the side. He hit the ground running, exactly the same. I’m sure that if that money is there and he’s available, they would no doubt spend on Jesse Lingard. He was such a good attribute and addition to their squad last season. He probably was the one that got them into Europe last year with those performances. No disrespect to everybody else but when he came in he was on fire, creating, scoring. He was that difference, that driving force in that final third. Other players they have at their disposal just can’t do what he does.
Lingard scored nine goals and registered another five assists in 16 Premier League outings.
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Ultimately, West Ham were the benefactors of the England man’s desire to play regular football last term.
As the window enters the final two weeks that could well arise once again should Lingard be left out of Ole Gunnar Solksjaer’s side against both Southampton and Wolves.
Given the strength in depth in the position at Old Trafford, there certainly remains hope that the 29-cap ace will be a Hammer before too long.
