As quoted by Sky Sports' transfer centre (Tuesday, 18:45), journalist Dharmesh Sheth has dropped a West Ham United transfer claim involving long-time target Jesse Lingard.

The Lowdown: West Ham in Lingard hunt...

Since the very beginning of the summer transfer window, manager David Moyes has had his eyes set on a move to sign Lingard permanently from Manchester United.

A report by club insider Claret & Hugh detailed that the attacker was one of three transfer priorities this summer alongside moves for a new striker and new centre-half.

At one point, the move looked to be all but off, with Sky sources claiming West Ham believed they had just a '10 per cent' chance of doing a deal this summer.

However, ExWHUemployee's recent update that Lingard may be open to a return after all has provided fresh hope - coupled with his information that a fresh bid is expected (Patreon).

The Latest: Sky reporter makes Lingard claim...

As quoted by Sky Sports, Sheth has told the transfer show that West Ham do indeed retain an interest in Lingard despite Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer saying the player is in his plans for 2021/2022.

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The reporter also believes Moyes and co could go back in for the Englishman before August 31.

"Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been quoted as saying that Lingard is in his plans for this season. However, West Ham do remain interested in re-signing Lingard.

“Remember what he did at the back end of last season. He joined on loan for the second half of last season and broke into the England squad before the end of the season. He almost got into the final Euro 2020 squad as well.

“I just think there’s every chance West Ham will go back in for him before the window is out and then there will be a decision to make, not only for Man Utd but for Jesse Lingard as well.”

The Verdict: Get it done...

Now that alternative attacking midfield target Matheus Pereira is off the table, with the Brazilian joining Al-Hilal, we believe it is make or break for West Ham to bring in Lingard and back Moyes with some attacking depth.

The club have been busy trying to secure a new centre-half over this last fortnight but they could also be one or two bad injuries away from a real crisis in the forward areas.

If the Hammers are unable to bring in a new centre-forward before deadline day, then a move for Lingard should be prioritised at the very least - especially considering his exploits on loan at the London Stadium last season.

He bagged a brilliant nine goals and four assists in 16 Premier League starts over the second half of 2020/2021 (WhoScored), being called 'phenomenal' by talkSPORT pundit Adrian Durham.

In other news: West Ham source: GSB 'set sights on signing' 6 foot 3 powerhouse for Moyes, find out more here.