Jesse Lingard’s excellent form at West Ham will see his price nearly double by the end of the season, according to The Sun.
The outlet claims that Lingard was available for £ 20 million last summer, but a release clause was not included in his loan agreement to the Hammers. United are said to have been encouraged by the England man’s performances for the London team and now believe they can raise close to £ 40 million for him.
“That causes a problem for West Ham because they were unable to secure a guaranteed option to make their loan agreement permanent during negotiations,” says The Sun.
And if their rate goes up to £ 40 million, it may be too much for them.
“There is hope that the 28-year-old has enjoyed London Stadium so much that he tells United that he wants to move there full time.
West Ham boss David Moyes said: “I’m sure at this point we will say yes, we would love to have Jesse, because of how well he is doing.
‘”But we still have nine games to judge and evaluate Jesse, just like United will have a period to think, do they want to sell him or keep him?
“That would be a decision that we would all have to reach, but no, there is nothing at this time.”
Even before the loan change, United made it clear that they would put a premium on Lingard’s fee because it is English and a product of the academy. The Sun report suggests that they are now feeling even more optimistic despite the precarious state of football finances due to Covid-19.
Lingard has certainly impressed at London Stadium, but even the £ 20 million starting price is well above the Transfermarkt’s recorded valuation of £ 13 million, up from £ 9 million in December. Any attempt to stay more still is likely to lead to a frustrating summer and a return to Old Trafford for the 28-year-old.
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