David Ornstein has claimed that West Ham United tried to agree a permanent clause in Jesse Lingard’s loan deal when they took him from Manchester United but were told it wasn’t possible.
Speaking on the Ornstein and Chapman podcast, the journalist provided the very latest update on Lingard’s future, as West Ham try and agree to buy him.
The attacking midfielder has made a remarkable impact at the London Stadium, where he has netted eight goals in nine matches.
That has obviously driven his value up, with West Ham likely to have to pay a large sum if they are to land him now.
The deal has now become a lot more complicated for West Ham now, especially as Lingard may not be keen on leaving Old Trafford on a free.
Ornstein suggests that Lingard may even extend his contract with Manchester United, which only has one year left on it, to ensure the Red Devils get a fair price for him this summer.
“When West Ham were negotiating with Manchester United to take Jesse Lingard on loan, bearing in mind Lingard was offered to a lot of clubs, who did not bite. West Ham tried to see if it was possible to insert an option to buy him, but Manchester United said no,” Ornstein said.
“I think they had a plan for the short-term and also had him in their mind for the long-term, even post career.
“I also think he has too much love and respect for them to let his contract go down to free agency. Therefore I don’t think it’s beyond the realms of possibility that he’s sold this summer, or signs a new contract and ends up being sold, purely down to the fact that I don’t think he would want Manchester United to lose out.
“I think West Ham pretty obviously would be in the driving seat, owing to what a good time he’s had there, but the way he’s playing there is definitely going to be some rivalry for him which will only drive up the price.”
Already reports have surfaced suggest that both Arsenal and Tottenham could rival West Ham for Lingard.
But if the Hammers can make it into the top four then they will surely feel confident of their chances of landing the 28-year-old on a long-term basis, despite is apparent determination not to leave Old Trafford on a free.
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