JESSE LINGARD is loving life at West Ham.
The England star is on loan from Manchester United until the end of the season and has transformed himself in East London.
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But with the Red Devils refusing to include an option-to-buy clause in the deal, the Hammers – who are desperate to sign him – could be priced out of a permanent move at the end of the season.
Lingard’s £100k-a-week United contract expires in the summer of 2022 and some reports have suggested Man Utd want as much as £40million for the 28-year-old.
But unless they give him a new contract – which SunSport revealed they would like to – the Reds have no chance.
However, having bagged six goals and four assists in eight games for West Ham and forced his way back into Gareth Southgate’s England plans, Lingard is still likely to be worth around £20-25m in the summer.
But with the Hammers having lost £20m on £45m failure Sebastien Haller and facing an equally bad – or worse – loss with Brazilian flop Felipe Anderson, the outlay may prove a little too much.
Lingard has settled in quickly under former manager David Moyes and – having described the club as ‘family’ already – would like to make the move permanent at the end of the season.
But if West Ham and Man Utd can’t strike a deal and his desire for more game time sees him seek a move away from Old Trafford he will be forced to look elsewhere.
And SunSport has explored five teams he could join if that turns out to be the case.
ARSENAL
The Gunners face losing Martin Odegaard at the end of the season.
With the Norwegian’s loan from Real Madrid expiring, the North Londoners will need to replace his creative flair.
Arsenal would also be able to afford Lingard’s fee and wages but United may be hesitant to do business with their old foes.
LEICESTER
Brendan Rodgers is said to have been seriously impressed with Lingard since his Hammers switch.
And the Foxes have quietly been keeping tabs on the situation as a result.
Their ability to afford him would likely depend on whether they qualify for the Champions League.
And they could all but secure that on Sunday with a win in the top four showdown against Lingard’s Hammers.
TOTTENHAM
With Dele Alli’s future still up in the air, Spurs could be in the market for a No 10.
And with Lingard ahead of Alli in the England pecking order, Jose Mourinho would likely see him as an upgrade.
The pair maintain a good relationship having worked together at United when Lingard played some of his best football at Old Trafford.
ATLETICO MADRID
Ahead of the recent international break, Lingard revealed Southgate advised him against moving abroad in January.
But several European clubs made contact about a loan move – including LaLiga giants Atletico.
And with fellow Three Lions star Kieran Trippier on the books, the link may appeal to the playmaker if the Rojiblancos come calling again.
REAL SOCIEDAD
An outside shot.
But Sociedad held talks with Lingard’s representatives about a January move.
The Basque side recently claimed Copa del Rey glory and are still in the hunt for a European spot sitting seventh in LaLiga.
Premier League icon David Silva is also plying his trade there which could make for a ferocious attacking midfield partnership.
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