Jesse Lingard has dealt a blow to West Ham United’s transfer plans as he has no interest in leaving Manchester United in January and could overlook re-joining the Irons next summer.
That’s according to 90min, who report Lingard’s main ambition remains to secure himself a new contract at Old Trafford. But the England midfielder will only put pen to paper on new terms if he feels he will occupy a first-team role where he can contribute to their results.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his interim replacement Ralf Rangnick have so far kept Lingard to a reserve role this season. The 29-year-old has only started two of his 12 appearances in all competitions, with opening roles in one Carabao Cup and one Champions League fixture.
Rangnick gave Lingard his starting role against BSC Young Boys in Manchester United’s final Champions League group stage game. But the match was a dead-rubber with nothing on the line, with the Red Devils already Group F winners and Young Boys out in fourth.
Lingard is yet to feature under Rangnick outside of facing Young Boys. But the midfielder’s camp feel he still has a future at Manchester United beyond his contract ending next year.
If not, Lingard is keen to experience playing aboard with a number of teams looking into his situation. Atletico Madrid are one of his possible European suitors, as the Colchoneros have retained an interest after exploring a deal following his successful West Ham loan last term.
Lingard’s Manchester United aims deals blow to West Ham transfer plan
Lingard can begin negotiating a free transfer with foreign sides from January, but the West Ham target will likely hold out on securing a move away from Manchester United for now.
His opposition to leaving Old Trafford in January also deals an immediate blow to the Irons’ mid-season plans. Eurosport had reported West Ham would approach Manchester United the moment the sales start to discuss a permanent transfer for Lingard, given his contract.
The Hammers also felt Lingard can return to the London Stadium after impressing on loan last season. He scored nine goals and assisted five in 16 games after arriving in the winter.
Additionally, The Sun reported Lingard was putting plans in place to re-join West Ham from Manchester United for £10m. But Rangnick replacing Solskjaer has led to a change of mind.
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