Taking to Twitter, reliable BBC reporter Simon Stone has made a Tottenham Hotspur transfer claim involving Manchester United playmaker Jesse Lingard.

The Lowdown: Spurs join Lingard race...

It has been two years since former favourite Christian Eriksen left Spurs for Inter Milan in a £16.9m deal, and it has been a point of contention ever since then that the Lilywhites have failed to replace him.

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Upon the Dane's exit from San Siro, there were even theories that he could make a return to Tottenham as transfer chief Fabio Paratici and manager Antonio Conte seek a creative influence.

Lingard, who was reportedly sounded out by Tottenham through intermediaries earlier in the month (Alasdair Gold), has apparently been on the club's radar instead.

The United ace is set to leave at the end of this season as a free agent, prompting interest from Spurs, with Stone now sharing what he knows on the situation.

The Latest: Stone makes Lingard claim involving Spurs...

According to the BBC journalist, Tottenham have made a bid to sign the 29-year-old in the form of a loan offer, but Ralf Rangnick's side swiftly turned down their approach.

The £80,000-per-week England international was subject to the same offer from West Ham, with the Red Devils also rejecting that bid due to their stance over selling to a direct rival for a top four finish.

The Verdict: Blow for Conte?

It is a blow for Spurs to miss out on Lingard, especially going by his brilliant loan spell at the London Stadium last year where he racked up nine goals and four assists in 16 Premier League starts. He has also been called 'sensational' by former Arsenal player Nigel Winterburn, and the 2018 World Cup star's ability is clear as day.

According to reliable northern correspondent Jamie Jackson of The Guardian, United believe Lingard is a '£50m' player (Twitter), clearly highlighting how much they rate him as an asset.

Taking all this into account, it is clear to see why they were reluctant to accept Tottenham's loan offer, with Paratici and co now forced to look elsewhere for a creator before Monday's transfer deadline.

In other news: Journalist claims £165,000-per-week 'legend' now wants to join Tottenham, find out more here.