Report reveals ‘dossier’ devised by Prem boss in bid to lure Man Utd man
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder has prepared a presentation in a bid to persuade Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard to sign, according to a report.
The 28-year-old has become frozen out at Old Trafford and has made only three appearances in all competitions this term.
As such, speculation has arisen that the midfielder is a target for clubs both in England and across Europe. West Ham and Nice are among those supposedly keen.
Reports have also mentioned the Blades as a potential suitor on loan. Lingard, though, has concerns about becoming part of a relegation battle.
Therefore, The Star claims that United boss Wilder has composed a ‘dossier’ explaining why the midfielder should join.
The presentation has outlined how the player could flourish by ‘being the biggest fish in the pond’ at Bramall Lane.
What’s more, the ‘dossier’ attempts to convince the Red Devils’ man that a move to South Yorkshire would ‘raise his profile’.
Wilder has presented his case to Lingard’s agents, who have yet to respond. Meanwhile, the Blades boss’ interest in the player stems from a meeting with his club’s board of directors before Christmas.
The manager met with his superiors, outlining how any new addition must be able to make a “real difference”.
Indeed, Lingard – who has experience in Europe and with England – would fit into that bracket despite his recent lack of action.
United sit bottom of the Premier League after 18 games and are already 11 points adrift of safety.
Nice cool interest in Lingard
While Sheffield United at this stage remain a viable option for Lingard, Nice look unlikely to make a move.
The Ligue 1 club opened talks with the player’s representatives over a deal last week.
However, club president Jean-Pierre Rivere has since said (via Sky Sports News) that “you shouldn’t expect big names to arrive in January”.
Further reports have claimed that Lingard and Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer are currently in disagreement over the player’s future.