Everton want Jesse Lingard and have confidence of a deal – but he has concern over a move to Goodison Park this summer.
The Toffees have secured one free transfer by landing James Tarwkoski after the end of his contract with Burnley.
That should be a strong addition for Everton and Frank Lampard may need to look for more free agents with Everton’s budget a little tight.
Selling Richarlison to Tottenham will open up the budget a little, and Everton may now go for a high-profile free agent in Lingard.
Everton want Jesse Lingard
The Sun report that Everton are keen to bring Lingard to Goodison Park with his Manchester United contract now over.
Lingard, 29, has decided to leave United after 22 years in their ranks.
Picking his ext club won’t be easy and there have been strong links with a return to former loan club West Ham United.
Everton are now in the race though and allegedly have optimism of a deal for the attacking midfielder.
Lingard hails from Warrington and would be able to stay around the North West if he makes the move to Everton.
However, Lingard allegedly has concerns about joining a team who find themselves in financial problems.
Everton look to have avoided Financial Fair Play sanctions but they must still cut their cloth accordingly in the near future.
Lingard has fears about joining Everton and may see them as a last resort even if the Toffees believe they have a chance.
If we had to predict Lingard’s next club, we would go for West Ham.
Lingard excelled there on loan in 2021, bagging nine goals and four assists in 16 appearances for the Hammers.
Lingard then returned to United and barely played, so first-team football has to be the focus with his next move.
Everton can offer that alongside geographical proximity, but Europa League semi-finalists West Ham make more sense from a pure footballing perspective.
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