On the latest edition of Touchline Talk, journalist Dean Jones has been talking about all things transfer-related ahead of the summer transfer window.
Jesse Lingard’s performances have stolen the headlines in recent weeks after excelling for West Ham since making the half-season loan move from Manchester United in January.
Speaking about the 28-year-old, Jones insisted Premier League strugglers Sheffield United were one of the clubs in for the midfielder’s signature in the January window.
Are you disappointed Chris Wilder has left Sheffield United?
Yes
No
However, the £13.5m-rated star made the switch to the Hammers to chase their Champions League dream instead of helping the Blades battle their relegation fight.
He said: “I mean, the other club that really looked at signing Jesse Lingard in January was Sheffield United. And they’ll be very disappointed that they didn’t manage to get that done. But ultimately, Lingard didn’t want to be in a relegation battle. And fair enough, because now he’s literally challenging to be in the Champions League. So, it was a good move for him.”
TIF Thoughts on Jones’ comments…
Jones believes the Blades were one of the clubs in for Lingard in January, however, when you look at the success the 28-year-old has had in his short stint at the Londoners it is fair to say he made the right choice.
In just a couple of months at the Hammers, Lingard has netted six goals in just eight appearances and managed to work his way back into the England squad for the first time in almost two full years.
The midfielder joined a thriving Hammers side who were in and around the top four spots at the time. Had he joined the Yorkshire side, you would have to question whether he would have provided the same numbers in front of goal given the struggles they have endured this season in the Premier League.
In other news: Pundit claims Sheffield United star would jump at move away