Pranav Nair
West Ham United given fresh hope in their pursuit of Manchester United star Jesse Lingard
According to The Daily Star, Manchester United have given West Ham United fresh hope in their pursuit of English international star Jesse Lingard.
The 28-year-old struck a chord with Hammers supporters during a successful loan spell at the London Stadium last season. He scored nine goals and made five assists in 16 appearances as the Hammers finished sixth, qualifying for the Europa League this season.
While Favid Moyes and co were keen to keep him on permanently, Lingard has since returned to Old Trafford and is looking forward to gaining regular game time for United. Given the riches at Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s disposal, Lingard’s chances of playing regularly appear remote.,
According to the report, United are willing to part with Lingard in order to secure more funds for further signings this summer. Others in the firing line include Phil Jones and Andreas Pereira.
This is good news for West Ham, who were initially put off by United’s asking price and unwillingness to sell. With the stance softening, the Hammers could still end up landing their man this summer. The 28-year-old is in the final year of his contract and United run the risk of losing him for free next year.
The Red Devils were originally asking for £35m but are now ready to settle for just £20m instead. It still represents a substantial amount for a player who looked to be past it just months ago.
United’s change of stance comes after it was revealed that Paul Pogba will likely stay at the club this summer. The Frenchman too is in the final year of his deal and could also walk out for free next year. As yet, United are yet to make a single sale this summer. Whether Lingard will be the first out of the door remains to be seen.
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United will part ways with Jones for £5m and Pereira for £7m. It represents decent value for players who have not contributed much to us in recent years and are not in the club’s long term plans. Whether the Red Devils will make any more moves in the summer window remains to be seen.
