Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, and West Ham United are all lining up a Bosman swoop for Manchester United attacker Jesse Lingard in the summer.
According to ESPN, Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, and West Ham United could all make a play to sign Jesse Lingard on a free transfer in the summer window. The 29-year-old is out of contract at Old Trafford at the end of the season, and he is set to leave his boyhood club in the summer after being denied an early exit in January market.
Jesse Lingard’s Manchester United future looks in serious doubt. He has now disputed with his manager Ralf Rangnick’s claims that he asked for time off to clear his mind after Manchester United blocked a deadline day departure. However, Lingard recently responded by commenting he is in the right frame of mind to play, and it was the club who suggested having some time off.
These conflicting claims only represent how deteriorated the relationship has become between the player and the club. The English midfielder was promised game time this season by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on the back of his superb form on-loan at West Ham that saw him produce 14 goal involvements in 16 league games during the second half of last season, pushing the Hammers over the line in their quest to secure Europa League football.
Lingard wanted to fight for his place in the starting eleven at Manchester United. However, his stance to stay put at Manchester has turned into a disaster. The Manchester United forward has only managed just over 250 minutes of footballing action across all competitions and has yet to make a single Premier League start.
He was denied a winter move despite heavy interest from fellow top-flight clubs, which was later attributed to the suspension of Mason Greenwood. And if injuries arise, the Red Devils may require his services in their battle to secure a top-four spot. Nonetheless, Newcastle, West Ham and Tottenham retain their interest in securing the signature of the English international on a Bosman move in the summer.
The Magpies appeared to have won the race for the prized midfielder on deadline day. However, with the Red Devils playing hardball in negotiations, they called off their pursuit. Lingard will certainly offer creativity and goalscoring threat in the final third, and his free-agent status makes him an attractive proposition. Still, much would depend on Newcastle’s predicament come this summer.
A romantic return to West Ham appears to be the obvious option for Lingard. He linked up very well with the other West Ham attackers, and playing in a familiar system under David Moyes could help him get back to his old ways. Also, the Englishman would bring attacking prowess, work ethic, and charisma in the dressing room vital for the Hammers’ Champions League ambitions.
Tottenham, meanwhile, could also reignite their interest in the summer as Antonio Conte’s continues his rebuild. Lingard’s versatility could be a key asset for Conte. Starring under one of the world’s best managers could help the English attacker’s prospects of making Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the 2022 World Cup. Ahead of what looks set to be an imminent summer departure, it will be interesting to see where the 29-year-old ends up next season.
