Man Utd make decision over Lingard, as West Ham face big rivals over deal

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has made up his mind about the future of Jesse Lingard, according to a report.

The midfielder was loaned to West Ham in January and an extraordinary run of form from the 28-year-old helped the Hammers into the top four. Lingard scored nine goals in his first 10 Premier League matches to push West Ham towards the Champions League. However, they have fallen off the pace in the last few weeks and now look likely to struggle to make the top six.

Lingard’s form has led to much speculation about his future. Only one year will remain on his contract with Man Utd by the time he returns, so they face a tough decision on him. And, according to 90min that decision has been made.

Solskjaer does not see a future for Lingard at United, even though his renaissance had got him an England recall. Gareth Southgate handed Lingard a return to the Three Lions’s squad for the recent World Cup qualifiers and Lingard started against San Marino and featured as a sub against Albania and Poland.

Southgate was clearly impressed with Lingard’s run of nine goals and four assists in 14 Premier League games in the capital.

The United boss though will allow Lingard to move on. West Ham would love to land the Warrington-born midfielder, but the finances of the deal may prove to be out of reach.

 Such a move may also appeal to Lingard, given how he has settled in there.

But, according to the Daily Mail, Lingard wants a four-year contract worth at least £100,000 per week. West Ham simply cannot afford that, especially without European football.

Boss David Moyes even voiced doubts over a deal last Friday.

“I am not actually sure how realistic it is,” Moyes said. “Obviously, I think Jesse has enjoyed himself, I hope he has…

“We have enjoyed having him and he is Manchester United’s player so they can decide what to do with him – and if they want to let him go then let’s hope he would consider us as one of his options.

“We have enjoyed having him and I am sure he has enjoyed being here as well. He is getting a lot of accolades and is back in the England squad.

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Tottenham interest

“I hope he goes on to make the Euros and in time we will find out if Jesse is going to be a Manchester United player or if he will play for somebody else.”

The Athletic have reported that West Ham feel their only chance of landing Lingard is via a part-exchange deal. The obvious carrot to dangle would be Declan Rice, a player who has been tracked by United for a while.

There is other interest in Lingard though. And 90min say “Tottenham are one club who are watching him closely”.

However, again any prospective deal could depend on whether Spurs can finish in the European places.

Spurs may have some cash to splash if they sell Harry Kane. Sky Sports have reported that Kane has told Daniel Levy he wants to leave this summer after almost quitting the club last summer.

Tottenham are considering replacements for Kane his summer and while Levy is understood to be loathed to selling to a Premier League rival, Lingard as a makeweight may swing a deal.

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