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West Ham United deal for Jesse Lingard in doubt as brother hits back at fans
West Ham United’s proposed deal for Jesse Lingard has been put in doubt after the midfielder’s brother responded to fans on social media.
The England international spent the second half of last season on loan at the London Stadium, scoring nine goals and registering five assists in 16 games.
He has struggled for game time upon his return to Manchester United, with reports suggesting that the Hammers could again offer him a way out of Old Trafford.
On Tuesday, Instagram account @westhamlatest posted a picture of Lingard in a West Ham shirt, captioning it with a ’46 days to go…’ countdown to the January transfer window.
In response to some fans suggesting the club should not sign the midfielder, his brother Louie wrote: “From the comments, I can see that most would believe [you] don’t need him, and [he] wouldn’t even start.
“[The] exact same was said before he last came. [It’s] staggering to see that many don’t actually want him either. Firmly noted.”
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Deal in jeopardy?
The likelihood of Lingard actually basing his next move off Instagram comments would appear very low in reality.
Louie is known to be very close to his brother and has advised Lingard on many career choices, but there will be several other factors at play if and when the 28-year-old leaves Manchester United.
As for the comments that made Louie retaliate, it’s fair to say some West Ham fans have short memories.
Lingard showed the sensational impact he can have while on loan in East London last season and would add more attacking threat to David Moyes’s midfield.
The club may currently be flying high in the Premier League and indeed sit above Lingard’s Manchester United, but the season is only three months old.
As the campaign progresses, the Hammers will need squad depth if they are to continue their push for the top four, particularly if they progress in Europe and in domestic cup competitions.
In other West Ham news, the club have ruled out a move for one January transfer target.
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