Jesse Lingard latest: West Ham bid finally launched – but report claims player has eyes elsewhere

West Ham United may ultimately face transfer disappointment despite finally launching a bid to sign Jesse Lingard on a free transfer.

The England midfielder will depart Old Trafford after his 20-year spell at the club ended on something of a sour note. Having been at the club since he was nine, Lingard will finally cut ties with United, with the player nearing the end of his contract.

He excelled during a spell on loan with the Hammers in the 2020/21 season and was the subject of a permanent offer there last summer. However, after then-United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer rejected the bid, amid plans to intergrate Lingard back into his side.

But having started just two Premier League games and one in the Champions League, the decision looks a poor one. Indeed, the Red Devils could have banked around £20m for Lingard had they cashed in last summer. Now, he will walk away for free.

Despite their rejection last summer, West Ham remain hot on his trail. To that end, a recent report claims the Hammers are prepping a sizeable contract offer to lure him down south.

Now, as per Sky Sports, West Ham have officially made their proposal to the player’s agent. They are reportedly willing to match his current wages at Old Trafford – estimated to be between £75,000 a week to £90,000 a week.

Hammers boss David Moyes has made no secret of his desire to reunite with Lingard at the London Stadium. And he will hope the 29-year-old becomes the first addition of a busy summer at West Ham.

Hammers may get rejected

However, The Sun reckons Lingard remains unsure of a permanent move to London and has eyes elsewhere.

That’s because they reckon the player prefers a move to Tyneside and Newcastle United.

The Magpies, looking to push into the upper echelons of the Premier League next season, have money to spend this summer. Their mega-rich Saudi backers are looking to spend big, though boss Eddie Howe is looking to down play expectations.

Newcastle are already being linked with a move for Lingard, though recent reports suggest they won’t meet his current salary demands.

As such, he may need to accept a drop in wages to move to St James’ Park if the reports are accurate.

However, the paper claims Lingard feels his needs will be served better on Tyneside and is willing to wait for Newcastle to make their move.

Jesse Lingard right to be excited by Newcastle

West Ham will count themselves unfortunate if they miss out on Lingard for the second summer running. He was a player who clearly excelled under Moyes, scoring nine goals in 16 appearances.

However, it’s easy to see why a move to St James’ would appeal. Good times are most certainly on the way at Newcastle and they are a club which carries plenty of appeal once again.

He would also be playing in a side that would surely make space for him. Furthermore, Howe is a manager who would also play to his strengths and, like Moyes, know how to bring out the best in him.

Jesse Lingard linked with European giants and Newcastle

Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard will leave the club and is linked with PSG, AC Milan, Juventus and Newcastle

In addition, with a World Cup just a matter of months away, Jesse Lingard will need a fast start to make a push for England’s squad.

He is still very much in Gareth Southgate’s thinking and can underline his qualities at Newcastle United, were he to make that move.

West Ham, meanwhile, are reportedly progressing in their pursuit for Rennes defender Nayef Aguerd.