West Ham are hoping and praying that Jesse Lingard doesn’t go down the same road as Juan Mata by signing a new deal at Old Trafford.
The 33 year old Spaniard decided to remain at the club when most believed he would want to finish his career in his homeland.
And it means that Lingard has even more competition as he bids to get the match action he craves after a hugely successful start to his loan career at West Ham last season.
The attacking midfielder is still desperate – according to those close to him – for regular first team football and it would be a shock were he to go down the Mata road and is understood to have had talks with the Old Trafford boss..
He has regularly claimed that playing football is his major priority and his current scenario is he can now either become a regular at the London Stadium or battle against intense competition within the United squad.
Claretandhugh is currently talking to it’s own sources at Old Trafford today via our northern correspondent Terry Robbins and will bring you further news, hopefully, during the course of the day.
In my opinion Jesse Lingard will be desperate to make the next World Cup squad after watching England’s Euro campaign which means he can’t afford to spend next season sat on united’s bench waiting for his chance. To have any chance he will need regular game time in the EPL which he will obviously get at WHU so he’s a lot to contemplate. He’s a great individual and player so I hope he makes the right decision because his experience will be invaluable in Qatar and will go along way to ensuring West Ham’s progress and having another successful season.
Lingard’s positive influence extends beyond the football pitch. I hope he chooses to come to WHU but can only wish him the best, regardless.