Pranav Nair
Manchester United double the asking price for Jesse Lingard
According to The Sun, Manchester United have doubled the asking price for 28-year-old academy graduate Jesse Lingard.
The Englishman’s career looked to be in the doldrums just three months back. However, a loan move to West Ham United has seen his stock rise and how.
Lingard has, so far, produced five goals and three assists in just seven appearances for the Hammers. His performances have also seen him get recalled to Gareth Southgate’s England squad.
His improvements have not gone unnoticed at Old Trafford. United chiefs have been encouraged by the player’s form to raise the asking price for him to £40m.
This could prove to be bad news for West Ham who were keen to land the player permanently in the summer. With no option to make the transfer permanent in his contract, the Hammers do not have an advantage when it comes to negotiations.
The player, for his part, is enjoying life in London and could very well push for a move to remain with the Hammers. He currently has a little over a year to go on his United deal.
Too greedy?
United have every right to slap a price they deem fit on their players. Whether anyone deems it worth it for Lingard, however, remains the question.
The 28-year-old has shown he has what it takes to thrive at the right level, provided he has the right guidance. Playing at the same level can also see him make the England squad for the Euros.
With his stock on the up, it remains to be seen if Lingard is willing to spend another year at the club and leave on a free.
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Lingard’s time at the club is probably done and it is better for everyone involved if he is sold off. United do run the risk of being too greedy for their own benefit.
After all, we are not the only club that has been affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Whether the Red Devils will negotiate or stick to their guns will be interesting to see.
