West Ham United fans should not panic just yet after a comment from Declan Rice appeared to rule out Jesse Lingard staying at the club.
Major Olivier Giroud relief for worried West Ham fans
That’s according to reliable West Ham insider ExWHUemployee.
David Moyes has repeatedly stated his intention to sign Lingard permanently from Manchester United this summer (Football London).
Lingard was a revelation after joining the Hammers on loan from Man United in January, scoring nine goals and providing four assists plus a host of pre-assists which led to goals.
Moyes desperate to sign Lingard on permanent Hammers deal
The midfielder played a big part in West Ham recording their best ever Premier League points total and securing Europa League group stage football for the first time.
Speculation has been rife over Lingard’s future with claim and counterclaim about whether he will remain at West Ham, be re-integrated at Man United or used as a makeweight in potential deals with other clubs.
ExWHUemployee revealed earlier this week that Lingard has been telling his West Ham teammates he wants a permanent move to the London Stadium.
Midfielder admits future remains uncertain in emotional post on social media
Lingard has since admitted he is unsure what the future holds in an emotional post on social media.
But it is a comment from Rice on that post which has sent some West Ham fans into meltdown.
Rice appears to suggest Lingard will not be returning next season, saying: “You’re going to be missed massively mate.”
But ExWHUemployee has told worried Hammers fans not to read too much into the comment just yet.
Insider ExWHUemployee delivers verdict after Rice comment suggests Lingard won’t return
“Neither of them know what the future holds!” ExWHUemployee said on Twitter.
“They got on really well at the club so it’s just that for now.
“West Ham want to sign him, he is open to the move but no bid has been accepted (Man U may wish to keep him) and so at this point in time, he is a Man U player.”
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