Man Utd left struggling for interest as Conte performs U-turn on fringe man

Jesse Lingard, Daniel James

Inter Milan boss Antonio Conte has changed his mind and does not want to raid Manchester United for Jesse Lingard, a report has claimed.

Earlier speculation claimed that Conte had earmarked Lingard as a firm loan target this month.

What’s more, glowing reports about the midfielder reportedly came the Italian manager’s way. Former United stars Romelu Lukaku and Ashley Young, who worked with Lingard at Old Trafford, had advised Conte.

However, according to Calciomercato, the manager has since performed a U-turn.

The source claims that the proposal has failed to spark into life and looks to be fading away.

Indeed, Conte and Inter CEO Giuseppe Marotta have become ‘very cautious’ about the financial impact of the coronavirus.

Calciomercato adds that Inter’s rejection makes them the second club to have turned a move for Lingard down.

City rivals AC Milan were offered the 28-year-old in the summer market. However, they chose not to pursue a move.

As such, United are struggling to find interest for Lingard, who remains frozen out at United.

The midfielder has only made three appearances this season, including two in the Carabao Cup. More tellingly, though, he has yet to feature in the Premier League, making the bench only five times.

As such, his future looks uncertain with his contract running out in the summer of 2022. The Red Devils triggered their 12-month extension option in December.

Lingard formed a key part of the United set-up leading up to the 2018 World Cup. But after raising his profile further by featuring at the tournament for England, his game time has since regressed.

Fresh reports from Sky Sports News say that Nice have held talks about singing the midfielder. What’s more, the French club are likely to make an official approach in the next week.

Lingard has key transfer request

Lingard.Man_.Utd_.TEAMtalk

As well as a move to Italy, speculation has surfaced about Lingard making a switch across the Premier League.

Indeed, Sheffield United have been touted as a potential suitor.

But according to The Athletic, the player does not want to move to the South Yorkshire club.

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