OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER says Jesse Lingard is in his plans at Manchester United in a big blow to West Ham.
But the Norwegian boss laughed off talk of Raphael Varane’s arrival at Carrington.
Lingard, 28, now appears set to stay at United to fight for his place despite transfer interest from West Ham, where he shone last season on loan.
And the England international could even sign new contract despite appear destined to leave the club just six months ago.
He enjoyed a scintillating second-half of the 2020-21 season on loan at the Irons.
And, buoyed by his strong showing last term, Lingard is leaning towards staying at Old Trafford rather than returning to London, say The Athletic.
And speaking after his team’s 2-1 pre-season victory at Derby, Solskjaer said: “Lingard wants to fight for his place.
“Jesse is in the plans at the moment.”
One player who is set to leave United is Facundo Pellistri, who is wanted on by Spanish side Alaves on loan.
Solskjaer said of the young Uruguayan, who scored at Pride Park: “I can see a loan deal for Pellistri.”
SunSport revealed on Saturday United’s deal for World Cup winner Varane, 28, is ‘all but done’.
JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
But Chelsea have reportedly emerged as late contenders and could scupper the transfer.
If they can fend off the reported interest from the Blues, United look set to hand over a £50million fee for the centre-back who has just one year left on his Bernabeu contract.
And asked for his view on the potential deal, Solskjaer could not conceal a smile.
Laughing, he said: “Varane? I only speak about players when we sign them.”
Spanish giants Real initially wanted £60m for Varane but have to sell now to get a fee having lost Sergio Ramos to Paris Saint-Germain on a free.
Varane’s representatives are understood to have negotiated terms over a five-year deal.
Los Blancos’ wage bill is reportedly set to be slashed by more than a third which has thrown massive doubt over the Frenchman’s future at the club.
⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
