‘You never know’: Pearce claims West Ham want to sign ‘special’ £20m star, amid reports of bid

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Stuart Pearce confirmed West Ham are still hopeful of signing Jesse Lingard this summer, while speaking on talkSPORT, but he concedes the ball is in Manchester United’s court.

Lingard spent the latter half of last season on loan at the London Stadium and brought life back into his stagnating career. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer elected against awarding the 28-year-old any Premier League minutes in 2020/21, yet he scored nine in 16 games for the Irons.

The Warrington-born playmaker additionally offered five assists under David Moyes and regained a place in the England squad. West Ham are now preparing one final offer for Lingard, the Express report, as Manchester United are open to offers.

Manchester United want £20m for Lingard, and could yet extend the West Ham target’s contract. The Daily Star note the Red Devils are ready to improve his terms to £130,000-per-week, with his current £110,000-per-week deal expiring next year.

But Pearce insists West Ham are not giving up on signing Lingard if he warms to leaving Manchester United.

“We would like him to come and join us,” Pearce said. “That has been an open secret – he was wonderful [at West Ham] last year. The ball is in Manchester United’s court, he is contracted to them. We would like him with us, there is no doubt about that.

“He’s a special lad and was very good around the players – the players really like him. His ability shone out last year and gave us a great option in our squad. You never know, but at this moment in time it looks like he is fighting for a place in the United line-up.”

Should West Ham pay Manchester United £20m for Lingard?

Lingard produced an astonishing record while on loan at West Ham from Manchester United last season. He transformed from a player lost in the wilderness without a flashlight to one immediately thriving in the Hammers’ spotlight.

It is no surprise that Moyes and the Irons have sought a deal with the Red Devils to buy him. Lingard drove West Ham forward and combined wonderfully with Michail Antonio, Pablo Fornals, Declan Rice and Said Benrahma.

But, like Pearce says, Lingard is a Manchester United player, and they have control over West Ham’s pursuit. And if he wants to fight for his future there, Benrahma and Fornals will have to pick up the slack.