As per reliable club insider ExWHUemployee, there has been another update involving West Ham United and their interest in Manchester United attacker Jesse Lingard as the January window looms.

The Lowdown: West Ham eye move...

The 29-year-old has been linked with a return to the London Stadium over these last few months after he opted to stay at Old Trafford in the summer.

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Lingard, amid his lack of game time at United, is yet to sign a new contract with the Red Devils as his current deal runs out in 2022 - prompting interest from a host of Premier League clubs including West Ham (ESPN).

Irons boss David Moyes is believed to be keen on a swoop for the 2020/2021 loanee who dazzled on a temporary spell over the second half of last season, where he managed to bag nine goals and four assists in just 16 top flight starts (WhoScored).

ExWHUemployee, sharing the latest, has issued an update on West Ham and Lingard's transfer stance ahead of the winter window.

The Latest: Ex makes Lingard claim...

According to the insider, via The West Ham Way, it's apparently 'looking more likely' that the Champions League midfielder will see out the remainder of his contract in Manchester and move on later in the new year.

However, Ex also believes 'this could change' as he refuses to completely rule out a January departure, with the club source also believing West Ham are 'still looking set' to 'make a move' for him early next month.

The Verdict: Priority?

West Ham's need for a striking alternative to Michail Antonio and emergency centre-back amid their injury crisis arguably trumps a swoop for Lingard, with Aaron Cresswell's serious injury also making a case for the possible signing of a left-back.

The presence of Said Benrahma, Pablo Fornals, Nikola Vlasic, Jarrod Bowen and Manuel Lanzini, who can all play in the attacking midfield position, provide Moyes with a stable amount of cover just behind Antonio with other positions more in need of reinforcement.

A move for Lingard should perhaps be put on the back-burner until later in 2022 when he can sign as a free agent, providing another club don't swoop before then.

Lauded as 'top-quality' by former Premier League striker Kevin Phillips, the England international would undoubtedly strengthen West Ham, but Moyes may have other more pressing holes to fill in his squad.

In other news: 'Nooooo', 'Beyond a joke', 'Xmas ruined'...West Ham fans flock to 'worrying' player claim, find out more here.