Jesse Lingard told West Ham he did not want to join in the summer
Jesse Lingard made it clear to West Ham United that he did not want to join them during the summer transfer window, according to 90min.
The Hammers made an approach for the 28-year-old Manchester United attacking midfielder but changed their plans after learning the deal would not be happening.
Lingard communicated his decision to the club’s joint-chairman David Sullivan personally, and they did not bother to make a late push for his signature in the summer transfer window.
However, the England international will revisit his situation and future in January, and his position at Old Trafford would have been made clear by then.
Fair Enough
The Hammers clearly wanted Lingard back following his impressive loan spell during the latter half of last season, but there was nothing they could do once he made his stance clear.
First-team coach Stuart Pearce was full of praises for the attacker on talkSPORT in August, dubbing him a “wonderful” player but making it clear that “the ball is Manchester United’s court as he’s contracted with them.”
Despite insisting that he is in his plans for the season, Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would not have been able to prevent his exit had the player indicated he wanted out.
Lingard wants to see what happens over the next six months, and that is a brave decision given that he will be battling with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho for playing opportunities.
No one can blame the player for fancying his chances of getting his Man Utd career back on track, but whether West Ham would be keen on moving for him in January if he wants out of Old Trafford remains to be seen.
In other West Ham news, Hammers decided against last-ditch summer signing after major development .
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