Taking to Twitter, reliable BBC reporter Simon Stone has made a West Ham United transfer claim involving long-time target and Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard.

The Lowdown: West Ham eye top target...

It is no secret that manager David Moyes has been wanting to bring the England international back to London after his impressive 2020/21 loan spell at the Hammers.

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Reliable sources like ExWHUemployee and Jack Rosser of The Evening Standard have both stated that Lingard remains a target for West Ham as transfer chief Rob Newman aims to bolster Moyes' options before transfer deadline day.

The 29-year-old has also attracted interest from the likes of Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur after he refused to pen a new deal at Old Trafford.

As a result, Lingard will leave as a free agent later this year, with the Hammers apparently keen to sway Man United into doing some mid-season business.

The Latest: BBC reporter makes Lingard offer claim...

Taking to Twitter, BBC journalist Stone has shared news on West Ham's attempts at a January move whilst lifting the lid on a bid from Moyes' side.

According to his sources, the Irons have made a 'loan offer' to sign Lingard from Man United, but it was swiftly turned down by the Red Devils. This is apparently due to the fact that Ralf Rangnick's side view the east Londoners as a direct top-four challenger and are duly refusing to do business.

The Verdict: Blow for Moyes...

Tipped as one of West Ham's top transfer targets, it remains to be seen whether the club try again to sign Lingard, with his current club reluctant to enter talks.

He certainly comes with merit, as Premier League legend Rio Ferdinand called the 29-year-old 'amazing' following his impact at West Ham over the second half of last season (FIVE). Even Man United believe that Lingard is a '£50m' player according to Guardian correspondent Jamie Jackson (Twitter), highlighting just how much they rate the playmaker.

If they continue to rebuff attempts like this one, Newman and co have no time to waste, so then they simply must move on to other targets or even potential alternatives.

A striker and centre-half are arguably still needed at Rush Green, and Moyes has precious little time remaining to strike an agreement before the transfer deadline on Monday.

We believe that a striker should definitely be made a priority, especially considering West Ham's potentially congested fixture calendar, their lack of options on this front and Michail Antonio's concerning injury history.

In other news: West Ham set for talks as they chase eleventh hour agreement for 'quality' 25 y/o, find out more here.