MY ACCOUNT
West Ham reportedly want to secure the return of Jesse Lingard on a permanent deal — but will face competition from London rivals Tottenham.
Lingard, 28, is expected to leave Manchester United after talks over a new contract stalled, with his current deal expiring next summer.
Sky Sports reported yesterday that the midfielder’s representatives see his future away from Old Trafford.
After news of that broke, Lingard cryptically posted a picture of himself celebrating a West Ham goal while on loan there last season.
And now the Sun say Lingard is already making personal arrangements to move back to London in the new year.
The report indicates the Hammers are looking to seal a £10million move for the England international, who scored nine goals and assisted nine times in 16 appearances during his temporary switch to the Hammers last season.
But the East London side could face competition from Spurs, who the Express say are interested in Lingard.
New manager Antonio Conte is keen on signing the playmaker as he looks to bolster his squad.
It is thought that the Italian would prefer to sign Lingard on a free transfer when his contract expires in the summer.
That would clear the way for West Ham to secure him in January if they are willing to pay a fee.
David Moyes’ side would likely be the preferred option for United as they look to recuperate some money for their academy graduate.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer rejected the advances of West Ham during the summer in favour of including Lingard in his first team.
But he has since been used sparingly by the Norwegian, with five substitute appearances his only Premier League action this season.
In other news
Spurs are also chasing another free transfer as they reportedly lead Inter Milan and Juventus in the race to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Corentin Tolisso.
The 27-year-old will be available for free next summer and Football Italia claim Spurs are in pole position to pick him up, with others unwilling to pay his reported £5m-per-year wage demands.
Barcelona are thought to be interested in Chelsea duo Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen.
The Express say new Barca boss Xavi is eager to deal free transfers for the pair, who are both out of contract at the end of the season.
Despite that, manager Thomas Tuchel said in his most recent press conference that he is hopeful of “good news in the next few days” in regards to sealing an extension for Christensen to remain at Stamford Bridge.
Man United are reportedly ready to let Paul Pogba leave the club, with Real Madrid his most likely destination.
The Frenchman, who has just been ruled out for up to three months, looks unlikely to sign a new deal at Old Trafford and Marca say Los Blancos are keen to make the move happen.
