Transfer News: Everton enter the race for Manchester United star Jesse Lingard
According to Birmingham Mail, Everton have entered the race for Manchester United star Jesse Lingard who could be on the move this summer.
The 28-year-old has just a year left on his current deal at Olds Trafford and is attracting attention from a number of Premier League clubs. Lingard impressed last season while on loan at West Ham United and has shown exactly what he can do in a team that makes use of his abilities.
Now back at Old Trafford, Lingard’s excellent loan spell has done little to guarantee him a first XI spot. Add to it the arrival of Jadon Sancho and the English ace has a real fight on his hands.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer remains a fan of the player and is keen to keep him on at the club. It is understandable given the strength in depth that will be made available to the Norwegian.
Despite his rise in stature, Lingard has a better chance of playing regularly should he leave Old Trafford for a lesser club. Everton are one such side and could offer Lingard more minutes this season.
The Blues are currently in the midst of a new dawn under Rafael Benitez and adding Lingard would make their offence a better proposition. They will, however, have to fight off interest from both Aston Villa and West Ham who remain interested.
A win-win?
While Solskjaer’s sentiments are understandable, selling Lingard makes sense. At 28, he is too old to be gracing the bench and should be playing week in week out. More so, it could boost his chances of making next summer’s FIFA World Cup with England.
Despite his excellent spell at West Ham, Lingard was passed over for this summer’s Euros. A repeat of the performance will leave Gareth Southgate with little choice come next summer.
The Red Devils were seeking £30m for Lingard this summer but have now dropped their asking price to £20m. Whether this is all the encouragement the Toffees need to make their move remains to be seen.
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Lingard’s stock has never been higher and with the player’s contract running down, now might be the time to cash in. The amount could prove useful should we decide to dip into the market ourselves.
