Jesse Lingard looks increasingly unlikely to join West Ham on a permanent deal this summer, acting as a blow to the Hammers.

The Lowdown: New Hammers hero

The England international moved to the London Stadium on loan in the January transfer window, looking to get his career back on track after struggling for game-time at Manchester United. The 28-year-old has since excelled for West Ham, scoring nine goals and registering three assists in just 14 Premier League appearances.

There has been hope that the Hammers could sign Lingard on a permanent deal, but a negative update has been provided in that respect.

The Latest: Lingard unlikely to sign this summer

According to The Athletic, West Ham's chances of snapping up the midfielder are fading, with Manchester United keen on making Lingard a 'makeweight' in a deal for someone they want to sign, such as Borussia Dortmund's Jadon Sancho, rather than loaning him out again.

There is a chance that Declan Rice could also be one of those individuals, but the Hammers will surely be desperate to keep hold of the Englishman.

The Athletic added that David Moyes appeared to concede defeat in terms of Lingard being at the club again next season, telling reporters prior to Saturday's 1-1 draw at Brighton: "I am not actually sure how realistic it is. Obviously, I think Jesse has enjoyed himself, I hope he has, we have enjoyed having him.

"He is Manchester United’s player, so they can decide what to do with him. If they want to let him go, let’s hope he would consider us as one of his options."

The Verdict: Big blow for West Ham

Given Lingard's exceptional performances for West Ham, which have seen him labelled an "intelligent footballer" by Rio Ferdinand, there is no denying that this update will come as a blow for anyone of a Hammers persuasion.

Swapping him for Rice is a deal which wouldn't make sense, with the latter being six years younger and possessing greater long-term potential.

In an ideal world, the £75,000-a-week Lingard would come in permanently, but with every passing week that is beginning to look less likely, meaning that David Moyes will need to look elsewhere for reinforcements and hope that they can make a similar impact for the Irons as the 28-year-old has done.

In other news, some West Ham fans have blasted one player's performance after the draw with Brighton. Find out who it is here.