Rijo Sam Daniel
Transfer News: OGC Nice enter race for Manchester United star Jesse Lingard
According to French outlet Foot Mercato (h/t ESPN), OGC Nice have entered the transfer race to get the signature of Manchester United star Jesse Lingard. He has long been linked with a move elsewhere with multiple clubs in the Premier League also keen on signing him.
Lingard will become a free agent next summer if he does not sign an extension with Man United. He is a long-term transfer target for West Ham United and Newcastle United as they look to boost their respective squads. However, Nice have now expressed their interest in signing him, and they hold an advantage over their competitors.
The French side can reach a pre-contract agreement with the Englishman for a summer move, unlike the two English clubs. Their manager, Christophe Galtier, has demanded the transfer, so they are trying their best to facilitate a deal ahead of others. But it seems like the operation is nearly impossible due to the finances involved, even if he will be available for free at the end of this season.
No use?
The interest from the Ligue 1 club would have been useful to drive up the price this month if they had the financial capabilities for it. However, it seems that is not the case and a deal for them would be complex for that reason. He is currently earning £100,000-a-week at Old Trafford.
Nevertheless, Galtier’s team would at least keep West Ham and Newcastle on their toes just in case the former finds some way to generate enough funds. That would be helpful if we want to finalise a move this month itself for cashing in on the England international as it could be our last chance to do so.
The Hammers have become a direct contender for European places with Man United this season and it remains to be seen if we would strengthen our direct rival in January. Since there is not much time left in the winter transfer window, it will be interesting to see how this situation develops in the coming days.
The 29-year-old has struggled to earn minutes under Ralf Rangnick, which was also the case under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. It would be best if the Glazers could find a club for him at the earliest and move him out for the best possible amount. Whether that will be the case or not would only be known in due time.
More Manchester United News
- Transfer News: Manchester United could sell Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka in the summer
- Leeds United and Aston Villa in contact with Manchester United transfer target Boubacar Kamara
- Manchester United dealt January transfer blow as Amadou Haidara decides to stay put
Fans would largely remember Lingard for the good moments he provided were he to leave in the near future. His goal in the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace in the 2015/16 season, and subsequent goals in the Community Shield against Leicester City and EFL Cup final vs Southampton in the following campaign are just some of the memorable displays he has given a Red Devils shirt.
