Journalist Dean Jones has claimed that West Ham boss David Moyes would much rather have Jesse Lingard at his disposal over current player Said Benrahma.
Lingard has been hugely out of favour this season for Manchester United, featuring just 13 times in the Premier League, whilst chipping in with two goals, according to Transfermarkt.
After the lack of game time for Lingard in the first half of the season, there were talks of a return to West Ham for the 29-year-old, but a deal failed to go through.
After the January rumors of Lingard making a return to the Olympic Stadium, Dean Jones spoke to GIVEMESPORT and compared him to current winger Said Benrahma.
“I think he’d prefer to have Lingard than Benrahma, mainly because he’s a better footballer,” Jones said.
With Jesse Lingard being linked to a return to West Ham, we noted two knock-on effects if the transfer was to go through.
Boost for Moyes
Jesse Lingard signed for West Ham on loan from Manchester United in January last season, and he was superb for the Hammers after he scored nine goals in 16 Premier League appearances. He averaged a goal every 158 minutes for West Ham last season, and also contributed with four assists.
If Lingard was to sign for the Hammers in the summer, then it may also persuade Declan Rice to stay at the club, after there has been rumours of an exit for the England international in the summer. Rice and Lingard had a well known connection on the field as well as off it, so by bringing back someone close to Rice, then it may make him think twice about leaving.
Replacement for Benrahma?
Said Benrahma has been average at best for the Hammers this campaign, over the past 12 months in the Premier League he has an average player rating of 6.88, as per Sofascore.
Jesse Lingard could be an adequate replacement for the Algerian winger, as he evidently gets involved in the game more. Last season for West Ham Lingard had an average of 56.1 touches per game, whereas Benrahma has an average of 37.6 touches this season for his side.