West Ham are set to launch a permanent move for Jesse Lingard – but there are emerging concerns over how much Manchester United will demand for the England international.
There is optimism at the London Stadium that they can pull off a successful swoop for Lingard, who has been a revelation since joining on loan in January.
The 28-year-old is known to have fully enjoyed his switch to London and there is encouragement at West Ham that he will give serious consideration to staying beyond this season.
The forward has been sensational since joining on loan in January, scoring six goals in eight games and assisting four times.
His displays have earned him an England recall, with Lingard now a serious contender to be part of Gareth Southgate’s Euros squad.
West Ham are understandably keen to tie up a permanent deal for the 28-year-old given his huge impact.
No talks over the possibility of a full time move for Lingard have taken place between the Hammers and United as of yet – but the London club are keen to address the issue before the end of the season.
However, there are emerging concerns with regards to the price tag United will set for Lingard given his brilliant performances so far.
West Ham did not secure an option to buy when negotiating the loan deal for Lingard and there are understandable fears that United will drive the price up.
Similarly, there is also likely to be rival interest in Lingard ahead of next season which will likely add a further complication to West Ham’s pursuit.
Wolves, Tottenham, Newcastle and Arsenal were among the clubs that considered moves for Lingard in January while others will have been alerted to his Sterling performances.
The United academy graduate will enter the final 12 months of his contract this summer and there seems little hope of him extending his deal at Old Trafford, meaning the club will likely look to sell Lingard to avoid losing him for nothing.
But United are still expected to ask for a significant sum – as much as £30million – for Lingard and will be confident of sparking a biding war given his breathtaking resurgence this season.
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