Pranav Nair
Manchester United sent a message regarding Jesse Lingard and Declan Rice
According to ESPN (h/t The Metro), the representatives of Jesse Lingard have informed Manchester United that the player will not be used as a makeweight to sign Declan Rice.
Lingard has seen his stock rise massively since moving to West Ham United on loan in January. With eight goals and four assists in just nine appearances, he is currently in stellar form. (h/t Transfermarkt)
The 28-year-old scored twice at the weekend as the Hammers took another step closer to a top-four finish. The Londoners are now keen to keep him following a successful loan spell.
United have a long-standing interest in Rice and were hopeful of taking advantage of West Ham’s interest in Lingard to boost their prospects.
The Hammers star is valued at close to £100m. With United seeking around £30m for Lingard, they were hopeful of lowering Rice’s asking price to about £65m-£70m. (h/t The Metro)
However, Lingard’s representatives are having none of it. They have no intention of letting the Englishman be used as a pawn in negotiations.
Hot commodity!
Given his current rise in stock, Lingard finds himself in a position of strength. The likes of Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan are all keeping tabs on the 28-year-old. (h/t The Metro)
Such a prospect would have been unfathomable just three months ago, but so were his chances of an England recall. Not only is Lingard back in Gareth Southgate’s plans but could also be on the plane for the Euros this summer.
Lingard has not ruled out a return to United. However, given Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s inability to get the best out of him, it is maybe not in his best interests to do so.
His current deal at United runs until 2022. The successful loan spell has now put him in the driving seat regarding his future. Given his performances, he has earned the right to decide his destiny.
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Lingard’s stand would also come as a blessing for West Ham. The Hammers too aren’t keen on seeing the 28-year-old as a makeweight in negotiations for Rice.
There is no reason why Rice may not end up at United in the summer. If he does, it will not be because Lingard helped ease negotiations.
