David Sullivan could land David Moyes a West Ham replacement for the Marseille-linked Manuel Lanzini by securing the services of Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard.
What’s the word?
According to talkSPORT, the Irons are in a queue of Premier League sides chasing the signature of Lingard during the January transfer window.
The Hammers, Tottenham Hotspur and Sheffield United have all expressed their interest in a mid-season deal, while Ligue 1 outfit OGC Nice and Liga NOS giants FC Porto have also been keeping track of his situation.
Manchester United remain reluctant to part ways with the 28-year-old this month as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer strives to contend for Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League honours, but Lingard’s long-term future remains in doubt.
Reports by ESPN recently noted Lingard and Solskjaer are in a tug-of-war over his situation, with the 24-cap England international desperate to find regular first-team action and the Red Devils boss keen to retain his services as cover.
Manchester United are yet to offer a definitive answer in response to any approach for the £9m-rated man, also monitored by Olympique de Marseille and Inter Milan, as Solskjaer’s side could play as many as 33 fixtures between now and May.
Lingard has featured just three times across all competitions this season and is yet to play a single second in the Premier League, with the Warrington-born playmaker’s only outings of the term thus far coming in the EFL and FA Cups.
Bye-bye Lanzini
Sullivan putting together a package that will convince Manchester United to part ways with Lingard this month could definitively spell the end for Lanzini at the London Stadium.
West Ham are said to have offered Lanzini to Marseille during discussions over Morgan Sanson, who Aston Villa have had a “pathetic” bid rejected for after claims of an €18m (£16m) offer as the Ligue 1 outfit hold out for €25m (£22m).
The Irons have also been shopping Lanzini’s services around on the transfer market since last summer, but have struggled to attract any interest in the £70,000-per-week midfielder who held Moyes’ side back during Tuesday’s 2-1 win at home to West Bromwich Albion.
Part of the issue in West Ham’s hopes of selling Lanzini may stem from the Irons valuing the 27-year-old at £15m, but securing Lingard’s services may see Sullivan prove more receptive to lower offers with the Argentine under contract for a further two years.
Lingard has been lauded for his ability to score important goals for club and country in recent years, having netted the extra-time winner during the 2016 FA Cup Final as well as key efforts for England against the Netherlands, Croatia and the United States.
Few have sung his praises more in recent years than former England and Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick, who once labelled Lingard as “unique”.
Lingard’s importance at Old Trafford may have dwindled of late, but his title-winning and international experience would likely be welcome at the London Stadium where Moyes has West Ham just two points below the top-four places.
AND in other news, West Ham are considering a £15.5m-rated striker without a goal since October to replace Seb Haller…