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West Ham United: Mike McGrath discusses Jesse Lingard amid links

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Image for West Ham United: Mike McGrath discusses Jesse Lingard amid links

Journalist Mike McGrath has provided a worrying update on West Ham United and their chances of bringing back Jesse Lingard this summer.

The 28-year-old, valued at £19.8m on Transfermarkt, was nothing short of superb during his time at the London Stadium, scoring nine goals and chipping in with five assists as West Ham United were able to finish in sixth place and qualify for next season’s Europa League.

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To kick off this quiz on West Ham's 2019/20 season, which side did the Hammers' first win of the term come against?

It’s no surprise, then, to see that West Ham United are reportedly “intent on pushing ahead with a move” for his services.

However, speaking on the latest edition of Touchline Talk, McGrath claimed that the feeling around Old Trafford right now was for Lingard to stay at the club for the time being:

“I think that there is a certain degree of willingness for him to stay at Manchester United actually, rather than leave for a free in a year or be sold. And being loaned out in your final year is very, very rare for a Premier League asset.

“I can’t imagine that suits Manchester United as well, basically giving him to somebody else for a year and then losing him for a free.”

TIF Thoughts on Mike McGrath’s comments about Jesse Lingard at Manchester United…

Will Lingard join West Ham this summer?

Yes

Yes

No

No

This does come as bad news for West Ham, as it sounds as if his form on loan might have been enough to convince the bosses at Manchester United to keep him around the club for a little while longer and see if he can prove himself there before they offer him a deal further down the line.

It’s obviously going to come as a hammer blow for them after the impact he had last season, but it might be time for West Ham to move on for now and look for different targets.

With the increased revenue and prestige that comes with playing in Europe, their options for targets should be increasing rather than wanting to rely on players from previous seasons. They can always come back to Lingard in January or next summer if the opportunity arises, but right now they need to focus on players that they have a better chance of capturing.

In other news: ‘There might be a bit of an auction’ – Gonzo drops worrying West Ham claim

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Freelance sports journalist & broadcaster.