Jesse Lingard will push for a move away from Manchester United before the close of the transfer window, unless he believes he will play regularly this season.
Lingard impressed after joining West Ham on loan in January registering nine goals and five assists in just 16 games. Prior to that he had barely featured for the Red Devils after struggling with personal problems.
Since returning to Old Trafford in the summer, he has endured a coronavirus-affected pre-season, missing out on United’s final friendly against Everton. However, Lingard is now back in training and scored in a behind closed doors meeting with Burnley.
Lingard is in contention to feature when United travel to Southampton on Sunday but according to The Times, he could be ready to push for a move away from his boyhood club. Lingard is not willing to sit on the bench this season and should the midfielder feel playing time is unlikely, he will request to leave.
Bruno Fernandes is currently in front of Lingard in the pecking order and he has barely missed a minute of action since signing in January 2020.
There has been some interest in him this summer, though no firm bids have been submitted as of yet. West Ham are keen on signing Lingard on a permanent basis but are reluctant to pay United’s £25m asking price.
Atletico Madrid were also considering a move, and there have been enquiries from several clubs in Italy too.
United would be open to Lingard’s departure should he push for a transfer. 90min understands that they are looking to sign more players, but only if they can sell first. A deal for Kieran Trippier, who they were strongly linked with earlier this summer, is not off the table and Ruben Neves is another target.
Source : 90min