Pranav Nair
Dean Jones: Manchester United could struggle to organize Jesse Lingard and Declan Rice swap
Speaking on The Done Deal Show, Dean Jones has opened up on the future of Manchester United star Jesse Lingard and his chances of joining West Ham United.
The 28-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at the Hammers. He put up a show making 16 appearances for the Londoners. During that time he scored nine goals and assisted five more. (h/t Transfermarkt)
It will come as no surprise that West Ham would like to sign the player on permanently. With just a year to go on his current deal at United, the Red Devils have a decision to make this summer.
United are also interested in Declan Rice. The English ace appears to have had enough of life in London and is ready for a new challenge. So far, he has rejected two contract offers from the Hammers. (h/t The Telegraph) (Subscription Required)
Rice will not come cheap and United could make use of Lingard to lower the Hammers’ asking price. Jones has however dismissed the chances of that happening. Having spent a small fortune on Jadon Sancho, it remains to be seen if United will sanction another big-money purchase.
“I’ve seen it mooted, Declan Rice and Jesse Lingard swap deal that’s not going to happen. Those players aren’t going to swap.”
Jones goes on to add that playing alongside Rice was a major draw for Lingard last season. Both players played a huge part in the Hammers’ sixth-placed finish and it would be amiss for them to sign one just to lose the other.
‘One of the reasons Lingard loved being at West Ham was because he loved Declan Rice. Declan Rice is a big part of why West Ham have been so successful, big personality – Lingard’s got a similar personality, they got on really well. And he loved that.”
With Rice seemingly looking to leave, it could in fact play spoilsport in their efforts to land Lingard. There exists the possibility that they could come out worse ending up with neither star going into next season.
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According to The Daily Star, United are ready to offer Lingard a new contract. Whether this means he will play a bigger role next season or if it’s a ploy to preserve his transfer value remains to be seen.
