Speaking live on talkSPORT radio (January 6), via Read West Ham, reporter Alex Crook shared what he knows on the Jesse Lingard transfer saga.

The Lowdown: West Ham chasing Lingard...

As well known, West Ham and manager David Moyes are eager to reunite with Lingard on a permanent deal this month with the irons earmarking him as a top transfer target.

[web_stories_embed url="https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-latest-updates/" title="West Ham latest updates!" poster="" width="360" height="600" align="none"]

Club insider ExWHUemployee believes the club are certain to move for Manchester United's forward whilst reliable journalist Jack Rosser of The Evening Standard backs their interest.

Talks over a new deal for Lingard at Old Trafford recently broke down, with his current deal set to expire at the end of this season, prompting club to take note of his situation - with West Ham among the suitors for his signatures (ESPN).

Sharing what he knows, Crook has now made a live radio claim on talkSPORT.

The Latest: Crook makes Lingard to West Ham claim...

Speaking to the broadcaster (via Read West Ham), the journalist believes a West Ham bid for England's attacker is 'inevitable' as the club believe they can secure him for a 'fraction' of what he would have cost in the summer window.

"West Ham United are looking for reinforcements," he explained.

"One name mentioned to me that won’t come as a big surprise to fans is Jesse Lingard.

"Clearly not happy at Manchester United, out of contract in the summer. West Ham believe they could sign him for a fraction of the fee quoted in the summer.

"I think it’s inevitable that West Ham will try again. He really needs to leave Old Trafford – that would seem a no-brainer to me."

The Verdict: A must move?

Homegrown and a proven player under Moyes, having bagged a brilliant nine goals and four assists over 16 top flight outings on loan at West Ham last season (WhoScored), signing Lingard would come as a major boost for West Ham mid-season.

Reports have suggested that the Three Lions ace could be available for as little as £10 million this month given his precarious contract situation (The Sun) - a fee certainly affordable and representing good value for money.

Former Tottenham and England goalkeeper Paul Robinson recently claimed he would be a 'massive signing' who could gift the Hammers 'another dimension' amid their chase for a top four Premier League finish (Football Insider).

Given his numbers over the second half of 2020/2021, with talkSPORT pundit Adrian Durham also calling him the best player in terms of league form at one point last year, we strongly advise West Ham to push the boat out for his capture.

In other news: 'Tears in my eyes', 'Finally'...Many West Ham fans flock to 'very exciting' transfer development, find out more here.