West Ham United boss David Moyes is once again being linked with a move for Manchester United outcast Jesse Lingard.
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Moyes is eyeing a reunion with former England star Lingard in January, according to a report from The Mirror.
The Hammers have been linked with the 27-year-old playmaker for some time, most recently by TEAMtalk.
Moyes a huge fan of Lingard and wants reunion at West Ham – report
Moyes managed Lingard during his ill-fated spell in charge of the Red Devils.
The West Ham boss was reportedly a huge fan of the midfielder and once labelled Lingard as ‘the future’ of Manchester United (The Telegraph).
But he has struggled under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and it is being reported this week that he feels he needs a fresh challenge (Sky Sports).
The Mirror claims West Ham could provide him with exactly that.
Do West Ham need Lingard?
Lingard is very similar in many ways to Fornals.
But the big dilemma for Moyes is do West Ham really need Lingard? And would he be an upgrade on the Spaniard?
Fornals works his socks off for the team.
But his finishing leaves a lot to be desired and he has been uncharacteristically wasteful in possession in recent games too.
His biggest problem is a lack of pace. And that is where Lingard would be a serious upgrade.
Lingard turns 28 next week, making him four years older than Fornals.
Pace and finishing could make Lingard an upgrade on Fornals in January
Manchester United have the option to extend his deal by a year, which they may do even if it is just to make some money back on their academy graduate.
A loan with the option to buy at a sensible price could suit all parties in January.
Lingard could add that cutting edge from attacking midfield that Fornals lacks.
But would he graft for the team like the former Villareal man does for West Ham?
That will be the dilemma for Moyes.
He knows both players well so whatever he decides West Ham fans must trust his judgement.
West Ham certainly need more options down the middle. The over-reliance on Tomas Soucek and Declan Rice could see the Hammers come unstuck if either was to be ruled out for a period.
Some West Ham fans are wary of signing Lingard, feeling he is past his best.
But adding a player like Lingard would give Moyes more flexibility in terms of formation too as he can also operate as winger on either side.
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