Inter Milan want Manchester United outcast Jesse Lingard to replace Christian Eriksen
According to the Mirror, Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard has emerged as a loan target for Serie A giants Inter Milan in the ongoing transfer window.
A product of the Manchester United academy, the 28-year-old has become a peripheral figure at Old Trafford over the past eighteen months or so. Injuries, personal problems off the field and a lack of form have contributed to Lingard’s decline at the club.
Lingard was in the final year of his contract, but Manchester United triggered a twelve-month extension in his deal, to possibly protect his value. But, the 20-time English champions are believed to be open to loaning him out till the end of the season, provided his wages in full are covered.
Now, Inter Milan are considering making a swoop for the 28-year-old in the January window. The Nerazzurri have three former Manchester United players on their payroll currently. Romelu Lukaku, Alexis Sanchez and Ashley Young all made the move to San Siro from Old Trafford recently.
And, it is said that Inter Milan manager Antonio Conte has received positive feedback from Lukaku and Young over Lingard, prompting the club to explore the possibility of signing him before this month. (h/t Mirror)
However, any move for Lingard would hinge on Inter Milan’s ability to offload out-of-favour playmaker Christian Eriksen. The Dane has struggled since joining the club last year and has been made available for a transfer.
But, his exit is being held up due to arguments over unpaid agent fees. Until that situation resolves and Eriksen is sold, Conte will not be allowed to make new signings, thus holding up a potential move for Lingard.
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Lingard started his first game in over three months on Saturday against Watford in the FA Cup. The midfielder looked bright in spurts but failed to make the desired impact.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s has a wealth of options at disposal in the attacking midfield area. So, losing him wouldn’t be a major loss. It, however, remains to be seen if Inter make a move for him.