90min football writer Toby Cudworth has claimed that West Ham United could have a clear run at Jesse Lingard this summer.
The Hammers are expected to be ‘very busy’ ahead of the new season and have already brought in Nayef Aguerd and Alphonse Areola to strengthen their squad.
Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth has since said that officials at the London Stadium have presented an offer to Lingard who will officially become a free agent this Friday, July 1st.
The Telegraph previously claimed that Newcastle United had given up hope of acquiring the 29-year-old due to his high wage demands and despite interest on the continent, Cudworth has said that the finances involved could deter those suitors leaving a return to east London as Lingard’s only option.
Speaking on the Talking Transfers podcast he said:
(30:26)”Newcastle have backed away to pursue other targets so I think Lingard is still on their radar but he’s not somebody they are thinking about right now.
“There is interest from abroad but Jesse Lingard wants high wages. His people will want a decent signing-on fee as well, there are agent fees to consider so a move abroad is probably looking off the cards as well which doesn’t leave Lingard with too many options other than West Ham.”
“It’s whether or not the West Ham hierarchy are prepared to go for a player who is clearly unsure about what he wants to do but David Moyes really wants to bring him in.”
TIF Thoughts on Lingard and West Ham…
Last year, the £16.2m-rated attacker, who was called ‘amazing’ by Rio Ferdinand, scored nine goals and created another five in 16 appearances while on loan in the capital in a resurgent period in the former 32-cap England international’s career.
As journalist Pete O’Rourke previously declared signing him on a free transfer should be a “no-brainer” and as well as benefiting David Moyes as the Irons look to add depth to their squad with European commitments once again this season, a permanent move to the capital could see Lingard prove his worth in front of Gareth Southgate week in and week out leaving him with an outside shot of heading to Qatar.