According to a recent report, West Ham United could be presented the opportunity to sign Jesse Lingard permanently this summer, as the attacking midfielder may be used as a makeweight in a move for Declan Rice.

The report by Eurosport claims that West Ham originally attempted to include a £15m purchase clause in their loan deal for the Manchester United midfielder in January, but the Red Devils rejected the proposal.

The report added that, should Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side allow the sale of Lingard this summer, they would be looking for around £20m to part with the 28-year-old.

However, it is also claimed that Manchester United could attempt to use the £9m-rated man as a makeweight in their pursuit of Declan Rice, who would cost 'at least £50 million'.

Transfer Tavern Take

While Lingard has certainly impressed in his short time at West Ham - scoring three goals and providing one assist over his five Premier League appearances for David Moyes' side thus far, as well as being dubbed as "outstanding" by Paul Merson - whether the east London club would sign the midfielder permanently at the expense of parting with Rice is extremely debatable.

However, with Lingard believed to be enjoying his time at the London Stadium, perhaps the midfielder, along with West Ham, could convince Manchester United to allow a permanent move to the club without the caveat of Rice being involved in any potential deal.

In other West Ham United news, many fans wanted this Premier League ace after a contract claim - find out more here!