West Ham assistant manager Stuart Pearce has confirmed that the club are still keen to get a deal for Manchester United’s Jesse Lingard over the line.
Lingard was an immediate hit at West Ham after going on loan for the second half of the season, scoring nine goals and five assists in 16 games and almost earning a place in England’s squad for Euro 2020 as a result.
4️⃣ goal1️⃣ assist @ JesseLingard dominated in April? pic.twitter.com/XHAYrrBeCd
– West Ham United (@WestHam) 14 May 2021
Understandably, United were impressed by that form and have opened the door to keep Lingard for the rest of the season, although that has not stopped West Ham from trying to get him back.
“We would like him to come and come with us,” Pearce told talkSPORT about Lingard’s future. “It has been an open secret. He was wonderful last year.
– The ball is on Manchester United’s pitch. He is contracted to them. We would like to have him with us, there is no doubt about that. He is a special boy and was very good among the players – the players really like him.
“His ability shone last year and gave us a good alternative in our squad. You never know, but at the moment it looks like he is fighting for a place in the United squad. ”
West Ham’s problems with signing Lingard have always been financial. 90min understands that United have been looking for over 30 million pounds to sell the 28-year-old, who also wants to see his good form rewarded with a salary increase.
The Hammers are reluctant to pay because they prioritize moves for a new defender and striker, but they would jump at the chance to get Lingard back if the finances for such a deal worked for them.
Lingard has one year left on his contract / Matthew Ashton – AMA / Getty Images
Lingard knows that his chances of getting minutes at United are slim due to the form of Bruno Fernandes, who got a hat-trick in the 5-1 victory over Leeds, and the presence of the Dutchman Donny van de Beek in the squad.
He missed the Leeds match after testing positive for COVID-19 but is expected back in training ahead of Sunday’s meeting with Southampton.
