The Manchester United hierarchy believe that they need to offer Jesse Lingard a new contract in order to protect his value amidst intense links with West Ham, according to a report from The Athletic.
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It is also suggested that the 28-year-old currently wants to stay at Old Trafford and fight for his place under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
So it seems as though Hammers boss David Moyes has his work cut out if he is to bring Jesse to the London Stadium this summer.
If Man United are to offer Lingard a new contract and the player himself does indeed want to stay and fight for his place, it would be a big double blow for West Ham.
Lingard was so important for the Hammers last season. His nine goals and four assists in 16 Premier League games helped us secure Europa League football.
Manchester United and Lingard decisions all but ends West Ham’s hopes
With Jadon Sancho set to join Man United, Jesse’s chances of first-team football will be limited to say the least.
With that in mind, staying at Old Trafford would be a really strange decision from Lingard. Especially if he is determined to get back into the England squad ahead of the 2022 World Cup.
Having said that, Manchester United is Jesse’s boyhood club. And there is a lot to be said for that.
Much will depend on how much Solskjaer actually wants to keep him at the club.
Lingard knows he is absolutely adored in East London.
Perhaps if the West Ham owners show a bit of ambition in the transfer market, it will convince the 28-year-old that his future lies with the Hammers.
In other news…Report: £30m striker wants to join West Ham
At the end of the day, however, it will all come down to where Jesse wants to play his football next season. And according to The Athletic, it seems as though he could very well stay at Old Trafford.
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