The Mirror claim Everton are in the running to sign Jesse Lingard after Manchester United announced he would become a free agent on July 1. Newcastle and West Ham are long-term admirers of Lingard.
Of course, 29-year-old Lingard went on loan to West Ham during the second half of 2020-21 and starred for the Hammers. In 16 games under David Moyes, he scored nine goals and laid on five assists.
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But he chose to return to Old Trafford, his boyhood club. The hope was that his Hammers spell would earn more game time at United – but that was not the case. Now, he is set to leave United on a free transfer.
West Ham have made an offer to sign Lingard, while Newcastle are keen. However, another suitor has now emerged in Everton and Frank Lampard, who is keen to strengthen his side in order to avoid a relegation scrap.
Everton in running to sign Lingard: Toffees, Newcastle or West Ham?
Really, it is an easy choice for Lingard. He starred under Moyes in 2021, and West Ham suited his style of play. Of the three teams chasing his signature, West Ham are in Europe – albeit the Europa Conference League.
They have the cash necessary and he knows he would get game time ahead of the 2022 World Cup. Newcastle would pay the cash, and Everton have the lure of Lampard and plenty of familiar faces.
But a return to West Ham makes sense for Lingard – and is really a no-brainer for all parties involved. Will he end up at West Ham? Time will tell, but it seems like a move that has been waiting to happen.
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