talkSport correspondent Alex Crook insists that West Ham are still working on a deal to bring Jesse Lingard back to the club.
Having spent the second half of last season on loan at the London Stadium, the Hammers’ attempts to secure a permanent deal have so far been rebuked.
Their efforts to land the attacking midfielder at the start of the campaign were unsuccessful and they tried again in the January window but no deal materialised.
However, with the 29-year-old not expected to sign a contract extension with Manchester United beyond this summer he could find his way back to east London with the club still interested in acquiring his services.
The Telegraph recently revealed that Newcastle United had given up hope of signing Lingard due to his wage demands and although he may have interest elsewhere, Crook is adamant that David Moyes hasn’t given up on a return.
He told GIVEMESPORT:
“There has been talk of a move abroad previously. I think that, at the moment, would look more likely than West Ham but, I’m sure, conversations are still going on in the background, and they have been for about the last year or so.”
TIF Thoughts on Lingard to West Ham…
As journalist Pete O’Rourke said signing Lingard on a free transfer should be a “no-brainer”.
Last year, the £18m-rated attacker, who was called ‘amazing’ by Rio Ferdinand, scored nine goals and made five assists in 16 appearances while on loan in the capital and his career resurgence saw him return to the England national team set up for the first time in almost two years.
A permanent move to the London Stadium could work wonders for both as the 32-cap England international is sure to be hoping for a seat on the plane to the 2022 World Cup and the Hammers can provide him with the regular game time he desires.
The Irons are set for another campaign in Europe and will need depth all over the pitch to help carry the burden of the extra games and while his decision to bring Lingard in permanently remains unclear as yet, the team would certainly benefit from his arrival.
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