Frank McAvennie has exclusively told This is Futbol that Jesse Lingard would be his “major signing” at West Ham this summer, but has his doubts over a permanent deal.
Following his loan move to the London Stadium in January, Lingard has enjoyed a remarkable spell by scoring nine times and adding four assists in just 11 Premier League appearances to boost West Ham’s European aspirations.
Lingard’s outstanding form saw him earn a recall to Gareth Southgate’s England squad last month, which has also attracted attention from the likes of PSG and Real Madrid, with Manchester United reportedly wanting to offer the attacker a new deal at Old Trafford.
Do you think West Ham need another striker?
Yes, we need someone else
No, we are fine
However, McAvennie is hopeful that West Ham can convince him to return permanently.
He told This is Futbol:
“He was sitting on the bench at Manchester United. We’ve got him into the England squad, and for me, he’s a starter for the Euros. He’s enjoying life again, and I’m a great believer in, if you’re enjoying your surroundings you’re going to be better at what you do.
“I would like to think we’ve got a chance of signing him. That would be my major signing for the season if we can get him over the line. I’m sure they will be talking to him.”
But the lack of a permanent clause included in Lingard’s West Ham contract has left McAvennie worried about his Hammers future.
He added:
“Suddenly, he’s gone in and everyone wants him. I don’t know why they didn’t include something, but apparently, he didn’t want it in his contract, which maybe tells me it was a stepping stone.
“But good luck to him, he’s done wonders for West Ham and he isn’t a West Ham player, so if he gets us into Europe, I’ll be delighted.”