Lingard could force Manchester United’s hand

Jesse Lingard is enjoying a new lease of life in London with West Ham.

He is showing terrific form with three goals in four games and while it is early he has already told some of his new Hammers teammates that he would love to stay and make the move permanent next season.

Manchester United refused to add an option to buy on the loan deal and have indicated they want to keep him in the summer but that could just be a negotiation ploy.

The northern Premier League club are known to play hardball and are often described greedy in their expectations in valuation of player with 12 months left on his contract when his loan with West Ham ends.  Club insiders call the odds of signing him permanently 50/50 as it stands.

However, Lingard himself could provide a  crucial role in forcing his move to West Ham next season.  He could wind down his contract and leave Manchester United for free so there are plenty of twists and turns left in this tale.