A Manchester United academy graduate, Jesse Lingard moved to West Ham United last January on loan after a downturn in his career.
The 28-year-old had only started twice with the Red Devils during the season before joining the London club.
It turned out to be a great decision and rejuvenated Lingard’s form.
He played 16 times for The Hammers, scoring nine goals, setting up five assists and taking them within three points of clinching a place in the Champions League next season. He was also called up to be part of the England team in March, although he narrowly missed making it to the European Championship.
As a result, it is believed that West Ham would like to sign Lingard permanently and while Lingard is a Man United guy at heart, he would also be happy to continue in London, with the appeal of playing time from the academy, Axel Tuanzebe is also believed to be considering improving playing time away from Old Trafford).
Man United, on the other hand, would be sad that Lingard was leaving, but would agree if the proper fee was paid.
The sticking point is in West Ham’s assessment of midfielder Declan Rice, in whom Man United has shown interest.
Rice has three more years on his contract with West Ham.
According to the Manchester Evening News, they have set a valuation of around £ 90 million for their services.
Man United, by contrast, sees Rice as worth a little more than half that price. The potential for a swap agreement between the clubs may fall apart because of that.
It was current United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer who gave Lingard his debut for the Reds Academy team and Solskjaer has a good relationship with the player. The Norwegian wouldn’t be upset if Lingard stayed, with his recent loan form in mind.
The club and fans have expressed satisfaction at Lingard’s resurgence for West Ham, but if the deadlock cannot be negotiated, he may have to look at other options.
Paris Saint Germain have been linked to interest in recent days, however if Lingard went ahead he would rather be a regular starter, something that would not be guaranteed at the Parisian club.
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