Speaking to Football Insider, pundit Paul Robinson, as also seen regularly on Sky Sports, has been left thrilled by West Ham United and transfer claims involving Jesse Lingard.

The Lowdown: West Ham back in...

It is no secret that Irons boss David Moyes was in favour of a permanent deal for the Manchester United ace after he impressed on a 2020/2021 West Ham loan spell.

Racking up nine goals and four assists in just 16 Premier League starts during the second half of last season, Lingard was apparently top of the Scotsman's agenda.

However, the 28-year-old ended up rejecting a move to West Ham in favour of fighting for his place under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Old Trafford.

Fast forward to November and Lingard is back to being a bit-part player in Manchester, opening the door for a potential return to West Ham.

Indeed, reliable reports from the likes of Eurosport and club insider ExWHUemployee claim West Ham could now tempt the England international in January.

A recruitment source has also told Football Insider that West Ham are set to join the race for his signature alongside Everton and Newcastle United.

The Latest: Robinson reacts...

Speaking to FI, former Premier League shot stopper Robinson has backed Lingard to be a would-be 'massive signing' for Moyes who would add 'another dimension' to his formidable West Ham team.

"It’d be a massive signing if they could get him back at West Ham,” he exclaimed.

“We saw a different Jesse Lingard to the one we are seeing now at Man United, he’s a bit-part player at the moment.

“Lingard at West Ham last season had the shackles off. He was enjoying his football and was on the brink of the Euros squad with England.

“They would be given a massive boost if they could get that deal over the line, especially with them challenging for the top four places.

“Sometimes teams can drop off and fall away up there but bringing in someone like Lingard would galvanise the fans.

“His quality in that three behind Antonio would just give them another dimension.

“It would be huge.”

The Verdict: Really necessary?

While Robinson may have a point that Lingard would add another degree of quality at the London Stadium, as evident by his head-turning loan spell, we believe West Ham's priorities should now lie elsewhere.

talkSPORT pundit Adrian Durham waxed lyrical over the 'absolutely phenomenal' forward during his time under Moyes but the Hammers simply must be in the market for a natural centre-forward above other positions.

One injury to star man Michail Antonio could spell disaster for the club, even despite the presence of makeshift options like wingers Andriy Yarmolenko and Jarrod Bowen.

The Jamaica international's worrying fitness record of past seasons is undoubtedly a concern and West Ham arguably have enough depth in attacking midfield.

Bowen, Manuel Lanzini, Nikola Vlasic, Said Benrahma and an in-form Pablo Fornals make up the numbers in that position whereas the Irons are bereft of out-and-out striker options.

Potential moves for the likes of Andrea Belotti or Adam Hlozek, who are both targets for the club, should certainly be prioritised over a return for Lingard at this point - even if United could sell for as low as £15 million according to The Sun.

In other news: Journalist hints West Ham move for 'world class' 32-goal striker could now be on the cards, find out more here.