Journalist Pete O'Rourke has delivered his verdict on West Ham United's attempt to sign Manchester United attacking midfielder Jesse Lingard. 

The lowdown: Deal on the cards

This comes as the Hammers make a move to bring the 29-year-old back to the London Stadium following a successful loan spell in 2021.

According to a report from Sky Sports, the east London club have 'made an offer' to sign Lingard this summer, as the former England regular officially becomes a free agent on July 1.

Upon hearing the speculation, one respected onlooker from within football media has had his say on the potential transfer...

The latest: Lingard 'ticks all the boxes' for West Ham

Speaking to GiveMeSport, O'Rourke has claimed that Lingard heading back to the London Stadium would be a sensible fit for all parties.

He said: “I think we all know West Ham’s desire to bring Jesse Lingard back to the club. They tried to do it in January but weren’t able to do it.

“He ticks all the boxes, I think, for David Moyes and I’m sure Jesse Lingard would love the opportunity to go back to West Ham.”

The verdict: Long time coming

In retrospect, Lingard may regret the decision to remain at his boyhood club this time last year, having breathed fresh life into his career with West Ham and earning a place back in the England setup as a result.

Upon returning to Manchester, the 32-cap star was on the periphery of matters at Old Trafford, failing to complete 90 minutes at any stage of the 2021/22 season despite him rejecting a summer stay in east London as he wanted to fight for his place in the Red Devils' first XI.

For the Irons, re-signing the man hailed by journalist Josh Bunting for a 'sensational' performance in a Manchester derby in 2019 would be a shrewd move as David Moyes attempts to suitably furnish the attacking options at his disposal.

With insufficient depth in attack at the moment, it is an area of weakness that the addition of the versatile Englishman would go some way towards resolving.