Serie A giants Juventus, AC Milan and Roma are all interested in signing Manchester United star Jesse Lingard on a free transfer this summer.
According to the Mirror, with Jesse Lingard’s Manchester United contract expiring this summer, the forward is attracting interest from a host of clubs. While West Ham United and Newcastle United are among his English admirers, the 29-year-old is now being monitored by clubs from Italy as well, with Juventus, Milan and Napoli all keen.
A Manchester United youth product, Lingard made his first-team debut in the 2014/15 season, following which he joined Derby County on loan. Upon his return in 2015, he was straightaway thrust into first-team action under Louis van Gaal. The England international responded by firing the winner in United’s FA Cup final win over Crystal Palace.
Lingard continued to be a part of first-team plans but was majorly used as an impact substitute. His best return for United came in the 2017/18 season under Jose Mourinho, when he scored eight goals and provided six assists in the Premier League. His game-time took a hit following the Portuguese’s departure and he went through a lean phase, scoring just one league goal in one-and-a-half seasons.
A loan move to West Ham in the 2021 winter window worked wonders for him. Lingard was an instant hit at the London Stadium, scoring nine and assisting five goals in 16 Premier League games. His brilliant showings for the Hammers convinced United to hold on to him but he wasn’t provided with enough chances this season. And the England international is now set to leave on a Bosman deal this summer.
Lingard’s best moments in Manchester United colours came under Mourinho, and the Portuguese is reportedly keen to reunite with the 29-year-old. With Chris Smalling and Tammy Abraham excelling in Italy, Roma hope that Lingard can prove to be a similar acquisition.
Juventus and AC Milan are, too, exploring the possibilities to snap up the Manchester United star. The Bianconeri could do with added depth in the final third as Paulo Dybala and Moise Kean will depart this summer. As for Milan, Lingard could inject more quality into their attacking unit.
Lingard is expected to demand £150,000-a-week upon leaving United, as per the aforementioned report. The three Serie A sides could sanction that amount for the England international, along with Newcastle. But West Ham might find it tough to do so. Lingard, however, has his heart set on a return to the London Stadium, where he became a fan favourite in six months.
Lingard is also eager to return to Gareth Southgate’s England squad and with the World Cup fast approaching, a move to Italy could help him make a strong case.
