Speaking to Football Insider, Sky Sports pundit Kevin Phillips has reacted to the latest news involving West Ham United and their links with Jesse Lingard.
The Lowdown: West Ham eyeing Lingard...
As per recent developments, it appears that the Irons aren't quite done with the Manchester United midfielder yet despite the signing of Croatia international Nikola Vlasic on transfer deadline day.
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Indeed, The Evening Standard first reported that manager David Moyes has been considering a return for the England international in January, while Football Insider indicated that potential Hammers transfer talks are ongoing with Lingard's entourage.
Phillips has now reacted to the latter development and refuses to rule out a West Ham move for the 28-year-old in January.
The Latest: Phillips reacts...
Speaking to Football Insider, the former Sunderland striker believes it is 'clear' that Lingard must leave Old Trafford, but suggested that West Ham may not be the only club vying to sign him.
"It’s still a no brainer,” Phillips explained.
“We all know his game time will be limited at Old Trafford and I don’t think he’ll sign a new deal. He will probably let his contract run down and he could go in January or wait for West Ham in the summer.
“Then he can demand even more wages and plenty of clubs can one-up each other then. So that might be the best move for him.
“Once it gets to January there will be other clubs interested, I’m sure. I wouldn’t say the writing is on the wall but it’s clear it’s time for Lingard to move on. He would still be a massive signing for Moyes.”
The Verdict: Wait till next year?
The 28-year-old's deal, which expires in 2022, should be a huge motivator for Moyes and West Ham to enter formal negotiations in January.
They could snap him up on a free transfer next summer, potentially too big of an opportunity to miss despite their recent signing of Vlasic.
Lingard has been in brilliant form when given the chance for both club and country so far this season, scoring for the Red Devils this weekend as they put Newcastle to the sword (BBC) just a few days after his brace for England against Andorra (BBC).
His phenomenal loan spell at the London Stadium over 2020/21 is another incentive for West Ham, with the only downside arguably being his age and possible wage demands - he currently earns £75,000 per week.
In other news: 'Ha a shocker', 'Offered nothing'...West Ham fans slam 'poor' ace who lost the ball 16x vs Southampton, find out more here.