Jesse Lingard’s Manchester United career will end within the next six months… the only question is at what point in that time frame.
The attacker, 29, is out of contract at the end of the season and is not interested in signing an extension at Old Trafford due to his lack of game time.
Lingard hasn’t started a Premier League game for United for two years, making just eight substitute appearances this season.
He did impress, however, during a loan spell at West Ham last season – scoring nine goals in 16 appearances to be named the league’s Player of the Month in April.
It was a glimpse of what Lingard has to offer in the Premier League and suggested he’s found a new home in Stratford, east London.
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(Image: REUTERS)
Many expect he’ll join West Ham on a permanent basis when his contract ends or in January, as it’s believed he wants to leave Old Trafford now.
And the Hammers would gladly have him back. The problem is their league position, battling United for a top-four spot.
West Ham are currently fifth in the table, one point behind Arsenal in fourth and three ahead of United in seventh.
Already sitting 22 points behind leaders and rivals Manchester City, the best United can achieve in the Premier League this season is a top-four finish.
And, with Liverpool and Chelsea looking strong, only one spot is realistically remaining for those vying for Champions League qualification.
It, therefore, seems unlikely United would allow Lingard to join West Ham in January. A move to Newcastle – in the short-term, at least – looks far more likely.
Champions League qualification is imperative for the Red Devils… and not just for financial reasons.
Declan Rice, West Ham’s star midfielder, is reportedly a £100million target for United. They’ll have little chance of signing him if the Hammers beat them to a top-four spot.
Other teams are thought to be interested in Rice, with Graeme Souness urging Man City to make a move.
“City already have the strongest group of players in the history of English football, but still collect the best players they can.
(Image: Getty Images)
“Yes, they have Rodri, but Fernandinho’s 36 and in the final six months of his contract, so Rice is an obvious replacement because they have the finances and are buying when they are on top.
“City, Chelsea and United will all pay a premium for Rice.
“The only argument you can offer if you’re buying is that he’s not a striker and that’s where the big money generally goes. It might take Rice to another level.”
With several destinations potentially on the table, it’s imperative that United finish fourth ahead of West Ham to lure Rice to Old Trafford.
And their best chance of stopping David Moyes’ confident team is by denying Lingard the chance to fire them to Champions League qualification for the first time in their history.
Man Utd’s Jesse Lingard decision could stop summer transfer plan
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