Jesse Lingard has been advised to seal a permanent Manchester United exit by former England striker Peter Crouch.
The attacking midfielder is arguably the most in-form player in the Premier League, with eight goals and four assists in his nine games since joining West Ham on loan in January.
Lingard’s remarkable form has earned him an array of suitors across Europe, with Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and Inter Milan believed to be monitoring the situation.
Arsenal have also been linked with the 28-year-old, but Crouch would like to see him stay at West Ham and continue to thrive for David Moyes’ side.
(Image: Pool via REUTERS)
“Maybe the plan was for him to go out and show himself to potential suitors,” Crouch told the Daily Mail of Lingard’s loan move to east London.
“If that is the case, I think United will try to command £20million-plus. Even in this day and age, that would represent amazing value.
“Personally, I believe Jesse would be better off leaving. He is playing with the shackles off at a club where he is wanted.
(Image: BT Sport)
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“Why would he jeopardise that by taking the chance of returning to United and finding out a few months down the line that he is a bit-part player?
“Suddenly the old mentality would creep in, the doubts, and all the good work would go out. This fresh start has been fantastic for Lingard.
“It has also done him good getting away from the scrutiny in Manchester. I hope West Ham get that deal over the line.”
Ahead of a flurry of summer interest in Lingard, Moyes simply hopes the England international keeps up his impeccable form.
“He has come in and helped the team greatly in the way he has played and also his attitude around the club, it has lifted us up,” said the Irons boss.
“I didn’t expect Jesse to probably get as many goals so I am really thrilled with the amount of goals he is getting at the moment and long may it continue.”
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