West Ham are making the permanent signing of Jesse Lingard their top priority for the summer!
They are ready for Manchester United’s hardball price negotiations but we understand there is a unity between all parties that he is a ‘must have’ player for the club.
David Moyes is always cautious in his public declarations and suggested last week the issue would be decided at the end of the season.
But the reality is the Hammers insiders, backroom staff and players are convinced he is going to become key to the club’s future over the next three or four years.
Lingard himself has suggested nothing other than that’s the way he wants things to work out and was so keen for a fresh start under his favoured manager that he accepted his normal wages when arriving on loan – refreshing.
The personal terms thus look to be the easy part of sorting a deal. United will attempt to hold out for around the £20 million they are being reported as wanting.
But our understanding is that Jesse is now desperately keen to become a full time Hammer and will be pushing for switch to the club
We understand that agents are already talking and will be looking for a quick conclusion soon after the season concludes.
Yes if he is available at the right price but if you again are suggesting we spend 20-25m on Lindgard who will be out of contract in a year and who has no resale value then no. I thought Moyes wanted to bring in young hungry players, another one of his statements that has proven to be inaccurate. We need to buy real quality (young talent) if we are going to keep players like Rice and while acquiring Lingard at the right price would be a good deal (I cannot believe I am saying it but he has done well) it cannot be our priority signing. We need a CB, LB, Midfielder and two forwards (yes two as we currently have no striker) in addition to Lingard and I would argue some of these positions are more urgent to fill.
Agree with John except CB as we have a couple of young guys coming thru plus recent acquisiyion Alves.
Fully agree Johnham .
I think he is already a ‘must sign’. The great thing he brings is not just personal performance, but he makes the others tick. Fornal, Bowen, Benrahma and Lanzini all play better with Jesse. We also must invest in our youngsters properly – Johnson, Alves and Coventry. Unlikely that Yarmo and Lanzini will stay. So we can look at a striker.