Jose Mourinho is reportedly keen on a reunion with Manchester United academy graduate and currently out-of-favour Jesse Lingard at Tottenham.
According to ESPN journalist Rob Dawson’s report, Jose Mourinho is looking into the possibility of bringing Jesse Lingard to Tottenham. The Portuguese manager is keen to add an attacking midfielder to the squad and is interested in a reunion with the Manchester United workhorse.
The rumours coincide with reports of Dele Alli’s future being uncertain at Tottenham, with the attacking midfielder not featuring much this season so far and being tailed by Champions League runners-up PSG.
Jose Mourinho currently has Giovani Lo Celso and Gedson Fernandes as players who can slot in at the central attacking midfield position apart from Alli. However, Mourinho is persisting with the 4-3-3 so far in the 2020/21 Premier League season and Alli’s attributes contribute acrimoniously to the overall team objectives if he is played as a central midfielder.
On the other hand, Jesse Lingard has played as a central midfielder and his work-rate would be crucial in putting pressure on the other side and sweeping second and loose balls in midfield. Lingard had quite the rise at Manchester United, owing to his tremendous work-rate and ability to have an impact when required.
But, the purple patches were always followed by poor form and Bruno Fernandes’s arrival at Old Trafford has sort of cast him away from the Manchester United Starting XI. The rumours of Lingard leaving Manchester United persisted last season and in January as well, with the Englishman reportedly giving Mino Raiola the job of finding him a suitable home.
Nevertheless, a move to Tottenham would interest Lingard quite a bit. It would unite him with his international teammates along with a manager who had faith in his abilities and skillset. Reportedly, Tottenham consider a deal could be done in the region of £30 million.
From the player and club perspective, this looks like an ideal deal for all three parties. Manchester United would free up wages and get in some funds to support Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the market; Lingard will find a new home and a chance at a fresh start while Tottenham get a player who was played under Mourinho and one that Mourinho likes.
Manchester United though, would be wary of the fan reaction of any potential sales right now. The Red Devils haven’t strengthened the key areas required and the sale of a player right now would only exemplify the negative reaction the community has had to the current transfer window activity so far.
