Jesse Lingard could make a dramatic return to Manchester United this summer, with reports that the club are considering offering him a new contract.
Life at Old Trafford for Lingard had not been good for a couple of seasons and he was allowed to go on loan in January, with West Ham signing him until the end of the season.
The 28-year-old's resurgence since moving to east London has been remarkable with five goals and two assists in just seven Premier League starts since the end of January.
Thanks to some injuries, that form has helped earn him a recall to the England squad this week and it could even lead to a recall to United's team.
According to the Sun, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is weighing up bringing Lingard back into his first team plans and a new contract could be on offer in the summer.
The former Birmingham City loanee's deal at Old Trafford expires next summer, when he'd be free to leave the club for nothing, but the report says a three year deal could be on the table.
His form at the London Stadium has led to David Moyes' side wanting to keep Lingard beyond this season and West Ham value him between £15 million and £20 million.
United will reportedly look for more if he is to be sold this summer, and a new deal would mean that his transfer value is pushed up, even if they don't then use him as a first team player.
The report also claims Lingard could be sent out on another loan, if he signs a new deal, which could also interest the Hammers.
Lingard's form has helped Moyes' side retain a chance at qualification for next season's Champions League, which in turn would help their chances of signing him.
The former Everton manager has got his team to within two points of the top four, with just nine games left of the season.
For Solskjaer, Champions League status for next season is looking pretty likely, as they battle with Leicester City for second spot behind rivals Manchester City, and some focus will be on the summer's recruits.
United fans will be hoping that bringing Lingard back into the squad wouldn't be seen as an alternative for a new signing.
The team have long been lacking a right winger, with Jadon Sancho constantly linked, whilst they reportedly also want to sign a striker, defensive midfielder, centre back and right back.
source https://www.sportbible.com/football/transfers-jesse-lingard-could-return-to-manchester-united-first-team-after-loan-20210327
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