Jesse Lingard not keen on being used as a makeweight in Manchester United’s bid for West Ham’s Declan Rice
According to ESPN, Jesse Lingard has told Manchester United that he ‘would not be keen’ on being used as a ‘makeweight’ in negotiations to sign Declan Rice from West Ham.
The report states that “sources have told ESPN” that the former West Ham loan man doesn’t want to be included in any deal for Rice to leave the London Stadium.
The report also claims that the Hammers value Rice at £80million, despite the England international recently rejecting a new contract.
Good news for West Ham?
This could be potentially great news for the Irons in both their efforts to keep Rice and sign Lingard permanently.
The 28-year-old had a scintillating loan spell with the Irons during the second half of the 2020/21 season, and West Ham want to sign him permanently this summer [Daily Mail].
However, by refusing to be part of any deal for Rice, Lingard is potentially increasing the chances of Rice staying with the Hammers, which would be massive.
ESPN claim that the Red Devils see Eduardo Camavinga as a ‘more realistic target’, and if Lingard refuses to be used as a makeweight, Manchester United will have to stump up the whole fee for Rice.
This could rule them out from signing him because they are already spending big money on Jadon Sancho.
Also, by Lingard refusing to be part of any deal for Rice, he is convincing the Hammers that he probably wants to play with Rice and allows the Irons to negotiate an independent deal for the 28-year-old.
So, it remains to be seen what happens, but this could be a wise move from Lingard that could benefit the Hammers.
In other West Ham news, Frank McAvennie discusses major backroom decision at the London Stadium.
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