According to The Times, Jesse Lingard is set to leave Manchester United for free after contract talks collapsed, with Newcastle and West Ham lurking.
What’s the story?
Well, it must be said that Ole Gunner Solskjaer’s treatment of Lingard has been utterly absurd as Newcastle and West Ham monitor the situation.
That was according to the Northern Echo, who claim it’s a two-horse race between the Hammers and the Magpies for his signature.
The £75,000-a-week man thrived on loan at West Ham last season, scoring nine Premier League goals in just 16 appearances.
Lingard returned to Old Trafford hoping to be rewarded with some game time for his efforts, but has been given just 63 minutes of action in the Premier League this season.
Now, the 28-year-old has no intention of resuming negotiations with the Red Devils, having grown frustrated at their behaviour during talks.
The Times believe Manchester United’s first offer to Lingard was less than his current salary.
Jesse Lingard should choose West Ham over Newcastle
In our view, staying at Old Trafford was a poor choice by Lingard.
He was among the best performers in Europe at West Ham, and it seemed to be the ideal environment for him to thrive.
It’s for that reason we feel he should return to east London, either in January or in the summer.
Of course, Newcastle and their newfound wealth provides an attractive project, but a move to St James’ Park is still a risk.
The Magpies are currently 19th, and could still suffer relegation despite the arrival of the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia.
In West Ham’s case, they are flying in the Europa League, and are also third in the Premier League.
From our point of view, it’s a complete no-brainer for Lingard.
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