What a West Ham source has told a board confidant about Jesse Lingard is deeply concerning with the decision due on his deal.
The summer transfer window may be closed but clubs can still sign free agents before they submit their official squad lists to the Premier League.
That is usually done in the first week after the transfer window closes, meaning West Ham will have to make their move on whether to sign Jesse Lingard very soon.
Despite not signing anyone on deadline day, there was no outrage from West Ham fans after the club spent carefully and wisely on four quality players.
But the Hammers are still expected to make one final addition in the shape of Jesse Lingard.
Lingard is a free agent after being released by Forest, who he joined ahead of West Ham last summer.
That is still a sore subject for some.
For others the memory of the midfielder shining during his unforgettable six-month loan spell at the London Stadium – where he helped fire West Ham to within one win of Champions League qualification and their record Premier League points total – means they are open forgiving that “snub”.
An initial frostiness over bringing back Lingard has thawed and West Ham supporters are – on the whole – now much more open to the idea.
Particularly in light of West Ham’s failure to sign a striker before the deadline given Lingard’s ability to play up front or as a second forward.
Many also feel he is perfectly suited to the team’s counter attacking style.
So what a West Ham source has told a board confidant about Lingard is deeply concerning with the decision due on his deal.
On deadline day Sean Whetstone claimed a source inside West Ham has told him Lingard is nowhere near the level needed in terms of his fitness.
“Jesse Lingard will NOT be signing for West Ham today with a club insider saying: “As things stand he really doesn’t look to be up to the fitness level required”,” Whetstone relayed.
“Lingard can still sign after the deadline as a free agent.”
That is concerning for Hammers fans who had warmed to the idea of re-signing the fleet-footed star.
Since that claim, though, Lingard has been publicly showing his commitment to West Ham and earning a deal.
The 30-year-old has posted on social media showing himself working up a sweat in training and watching West Ham win as the decision on signing him looms.
The positive is that if the claim that his fitness levels are way off is true, that is something which can be remedied during the fortcoming international break.
And there will be ample opportunity for Lingard to play if he does sign with West Ham set for another bumper 50-game plus season.