West Ham are set to make a contract decision on a former Manchester United player ‘today’ as Premier League rivals prepare a takeover.
West Ham United are expected to decide today whether or not to give free agent Jesse Lingard a new deal.
The 30-year-old has been exercising with the Hammers in recent weeks in order to get match-fit. David Moyes, on the other hand, has been debating what to do with him for some time.
Lingard left Nottingham Forest at the end of last season when his performances failed to meet his weekly wage of £80,000.
He appeared in 20 games at the City Ground, scoring two goals and assisting on two others. That was insufficient to persuade Steve Cooper to renew his contract.
Lingard joined Forest for a season after leaving Manchester United. His contract there expired in 2022, when his minutes were significantly reduced.
His best recent form was arguably with West Ham. He spent the second part of the 2020/21 season on loan at the London club, scoring nine goals and providing five assists in 16 appearances.
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As previously said, Lingard is eager to return to the Hammers for another season, and the London club is anticipated to make a decision on him soon.
According to journalist Sean Whetstone, West Ham could offer Lingard a new contract within the next few hours.
He believes Lingard will play in a behind-closed-doors friendly for the Hammers today against Ipswich Town, which will be his ‘greatest test’ as he ‘seeks to secure a new deal.’
On Wednesday, Sky Sports journalist Pete Graves indicated that the friendly will be vital in Moyes’ decision.
According to Graves, West Ham is still the most likely destination for the former England international. Wolves, on the other hand, ‘have arrived with late interest as they attempt to expand their team,’ so they cannot be ruled out just yet.
Lingard has lately received two contract offers from Saudi clubs, according to other reports.
The attacking midfielder’s ‘decisive day’ is Thursday, so West Ham fans should find out whether or not he will be offered a contract following their friendly against Ipswich.
