Former Premier League goalkeeper Paul Robinson has claimed West Ham lead the way towards signing Manchester United ace Jesse Lingard.
Just four days out from transfer deadline day, the Hammers are currently no nearer to landing their loan star on a permanent basis.
Despite Irons’ boss David Moyes confirming there was an interest from the club in re-signing Lingard, the 28-year-old remains part of the plans at Old Trafford for now.
Speaking to Football Insider, ex-England and Leeds United stopper Robinson claimed that the east London club holds a major advantage in the pursuit.
I think a lot of other teams in the Premier League will be sniffing around this one. Lingard will have options if he decides to leave this week. But the way West Ham have started the season and the way Lingard enjoyed his football there last season tells me that they are firmly in the driving seat. David Moyes took off his shackles last season. He looked like he had escaped the shadow of Old Trafford. I think he would benefit from a move. I wouldn’t like to see him sitting on the bench but it is entirely up to the player. He is not going to be a regular starter at Manchester United. That is a fact but he may be comfortable with that. The way he played last year told me that he is at his best when he is loved and played every week. I think the taste of that last year will spur him on to move and I think the move to West Ham is happening.
Lingard made a first appearance of the season last week, coming off the bench late on against Southampton.
READ WEST HAM VERDICT
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer couldn’t rule out a possible sale of the 29-cap England man this week and those odds could be enhanced by the return of Cristiano Ronaldo to Old Trafford.
Were the attacking midfielder to be made available, it’s hard to believe the player wouldn’t opt for a return to the London Stadium given the successful spell last term.
Valued at £19.8million and in the final 12 months of a contract (Transfermarkt), West Ham may have to shell out in excess of £15million to make the deal happen.
