Former West Ham ace Rob Lee: Irons could struggle to land Jesse Lingard
Former West Ham player Rob Lee claims it will be difficult to sign Jesse Lingard on a permanent basis in the summer.
The England international has been superb since his January loan move and Lee believes Lingard’s brilliant form has put the attacker in the shop window.
As a result, the Hammers could struggle to make his stay permanent, as other clubs may take an interest.
Lee told Transfer Tavern, “I said the other day that the problem for West Ham getting Jesse Lingard on loan is that unless they’ve got some sort of clause, he’s going to play his way out of going to them.
“He’s been playing so well, that it’s not going to be a foregone conclusion that he will go to West Ham.
“I think he’s played too good for West Ham in a strange sort of way, because he’s now put himself in the shop window.”
Don’t be so pessimistic
Lingard has transformed as a player since arriving at the London Stadium and is suddenly loving his football again.
The biggest obstacle to signing him is enticing him away from his boyhood club Manchester United, not beating rivals to his signature.
That is because David Moyes and West Ham have reinvigorated his passion.
He is already loved here and excelling in the important role he occupies – what is there not to like for the England international.
Lingard has received rave reviews from the likes of Alan Shearer [Premier League] and Darren Bent, who recently called him ‘phenomenal’ [talkSPORT Breakfast, 17/4].
He should want to sign a permanent contract because of those factors, while we could also have the appeal of the Champions League should we finish the season well.
Lee is too worried about his good form, though it does of course increase the likelihood of Man United wanting to keep him.
In other West Ham news, Frank McAvennie defended a ‘magnificent’ under-fire Hammers ace after his ‘stinker’ v Newcastle.
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