MANCHESTER UNITED are prepared to welcome Jesse Lingard back to the club when his loan spell at West Ham comes to an end, according to reports.
The former England star, 28, failed to play a single Premier League game for United in the first-half of the season.
Man Utd could welcome Jesse Lingard back to the first-team next season following his hot start to life on loan at West HamCredit: AP:Associated Press
Lingard had struggled in recent seasons at Old Trafford but has sparkled in LondonCredit: AFP or licensors
Lingard played twice in the Carabao Cup and once in the FA Cup before being shipped out on loan to the Hammers in the winter transfer window.
Since arriving, Lingard has scored three times in four matches after rediscovering his top form, including two goals on his debut during a 3-1 win at Aston Villa.
The attacking midfielder has now caught the eye of a host of Premier League clubs, with Leicester one interested outfit, according to Eurosport.
However, the Foxes will face competition from West Ham, who are believed to make his loan move permanent in the summer, say ESPN.
Despite that, Lingard remains a Man Utd player, with the Red Devils claimed to be keen on Lingard returning to replace Juan Mata – who will quit the club on a free transfer in the summer.
Earlier this week, SunSport exclusively revealed Inter Milan, Juventus and Roma were among the clubs interested in ex-Chelsea ace Mata.
And Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Co could look to Lingard to take over his role at the club, with Mata having played seven times in the league this term.
However, United legend Rio Ferdinand has warned Lingard to stay away and instead stay at the London Stadium.
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Ferdinand said: “I just think this is a new chapter for him to go and prove himself again and go on to enjoy your football.
“When you’re not playing, I don’t care who you are or what you do off the pitch, you don’t enjoy your life.
“He’s been in that position for far too long.
“I personally think he needs to look at a new chapter in his life and that’s without Manchester United.
“Sometimes your time just comes to an end at a football club – it’s out of your control a lot of the time.
“And I feel he’s in a position where he can build a new chapter for himself here and be part of something really enjoyable.”
Rio Ferdinand urges Jesse Lingard to quit Man Utd for West Ham
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
