Man Utd to brush off bullish West Ham source by starting Lingard transfer ‘war’

Jesse Lingard West Ham v Wolves April 2021

Manchester United reportedly feel confident of beginning a bidding war for Jesse Lingard, amid bullish claims from West Ham about keeping the midfielder.

Lingard‘s resurgence on both domestic and international stages has proved one of the highlights of the season. The 28-year-old has lit up the Hammers’ attack with six goals and four assists since joining on loan. Indeed, he has done so after barely playing for Manchester United earlier in the campaign.

As such, talk of his future – and whether that lies in London or Manchester – has intensified.

Gary Neville has warned Lingard that he will have to settle for a bit-part role if he returns to Old Trafford.

However, West Ham could supposedly struggle to sign him permanently. The Hammers did not negotiate a purchase option in the loan, creating uncertainty over his summer fee.

In fact, reports on Sunday claimed that the Red Devils could increase his value from £20million to £40million.

Speaking to Sky Sports News, a ‘senior’ West Ham source issued a bullish statement about the club’s pursuit of Lingard.

The source said: “We will do whatever it takes to sign him. He’s been outstanding for us.”

According to the Daily Mailthough, United could still price West Ham out of a deal.

David Moyes: Jesse Lingard's England recall deserved

David Moyes: Jesse Lingard's England recall deserved

David Moyes believes Jesse Lingard's performances for West Ham since arriving on loan in January fully justify his England recall

The newspaper claims that the Old Trafford club could create a bidding war.

They also state that United would ask for ‘as much as £30million’. However, the battle between clubs could take the eventual fee higher.

Lingard’s resurgence has also seen him return to the England squad. As such, he has made himself a prime candidate for a spot at Euro 2020.

He returned from the international break in style on Monday, scoring after a solo run from his own half. Furthermore, he notched an assist for Jarrod Bowen.

Neville warns Lingard over Man Utd

Jesse Lingard West Ham v Arsenal March 2021

Ex-United full-back Neville said of Lingard’s future: “If Jesse wants to play, which he does want to play, you can see, then he’s going to need to leave.

“Because he’s not going to play every single week I suspect in a Manchester United team that’s trying to get to second or first in the league.

“But if he’s willing to go back there and compete and be a player like that, he could. Daniel James has come in for the last few weeks and he’s out of the team again. Does he want to be that type of player who’s a bit in and out?

“There’s no doubt he can play for Manchester United but he’d have to be in that role.”

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