Aston Villa and Everton are reportedly tracking Jesse Lingard, who is keen on leaving Manchester United this month.
According to a report by Manchester Evening News, Jesse Lingard is determined to leave Manchester United as soon as possible and is even open to joining an overseas club if he can end his misery at Old Trafford. But Aston Villa and Everton are keen on keeping the Englishman in the Premier League and are closely monitoring his situation.
Jesse Lingard has been with Manchester United since joining their famed academy as a seven-year-old in 2002. But he only made gradual progress in the Red Devils’ youth setup before making his first-team debut for the club in August 2014. Since then, the 29-year-old has endured a topsy turvy ride at Manchester United, with his best phase coming when Jose Mourinho was at the helm.
Lingard would have hoped to be in contention to feature regularly for Manchester United after returning from a successful loan spell with West Ham United, but his fortunes have not improved much. The English international has garnered only 273 minutes of game-time this term across 14 appearances in all competitions, chipping in with two goals and one assist in the process.
The 29-year-old has been hoping to leave Manchester United this month to embark on a new adventure, either on a loan deal (despite entering the final six months of his contract) or permanently. But for some reason, the Premier League heavyweights have refused to offload him while placing a bizarre £50 million valuation on him during negotiations with Newcastle United.
Lingard is now desperate to call it quits at Manchester United, with Aston Villa and Everton closely monitoring his situation. Both clubs have been in the market for an attacking reinforcement this month, although Villa recently addressed the issue by signing Philippe Coutinho on loan from FC Barcelona.
As for Everton, the Toffees’ struggles this season necessitate signing a prolific contributor, with Lingard having the potential to become their most pivotal player. As for Aston Villa, the Villans might need to sign a replacement for Coutinho if the Brazilian does not join them on a permanent deal in the summer, with the Manchester United forward a viable option.
Lingard is not opposed to the idea of joining an overseas club either. And with OGC Nice also in the hunt for him, a transfer to Ligue 1 could be on the cards. For now, the 29-year-old finds himself in a desperate situation at Manchester United, and he will be keen on departing Old Trafford as soon as possible.
