Exclusive by CandH northern man Terry Robbins
Manchester United fear West Ham will wait until transfer deadline day before making a low-ball offer for Jesse Lingard.
Despite the best efforts of Old Trafford officials to play interested clubs off against each other, our sources in Manchester have stated United have not received a single cash offer for Lingard.
Irons are keeping their cards close to their chest and remain confident Lingard is keen to return to the London Stadium on a permanent basis, having shone brilliantly for Moysie on loan last season.
United insiders have told us they had hoped to realise a fee of around £10m during this window, but the reality is there is no auction and Hammers remain in the box seat.
Lingard is owed around £2.5m in wages between now and when his deal is up at the end of June, so a figure nearer £5m is likely to be enough for Irons to push through a deal before February 1.
A senior United source told Claret&Hugh: “Up until recently United thought they could drum up an auction, but the reality is very different and the club execs are stealing themselves for West Ham leaving it very late to try and seal the deal.
“Jesse wants to be playing regularly between now and the end of the season, as he is also worried about losing out with England again at a major tournament and not going to the World Cup later this year.
“United hoped Newcastle or Everton might come to the table, but they know West Ham are probably going to kick us in the teeth at this late stage.”
If this is true then fully support our tactics. Man U had a chance to get a decent fee from us in the Summer but Solsjar vetoed it for reasons best known to himself! Why pay much when our priority is left and centre backs plus that rarest of beasts a striker!
I think Budgie, the logic was not wanting to strengthen West Ham rather than wanting Lingard for Man Utd, the amount of games he’s had at Utd seems to bear this out.