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Two European Giants Are The 'Frontrunners' To Sign Jesse Lingard

Two European Giants Are The 'Frontrunners' To Sign Jesse Lingard

Two big European clubs are the frontrunners to sign Jesse Lingard from Manchester United.

James Hilsum

James Hilsum

Two European giants are reportedly the frontrunners to sign Jesse Lingard, with AC Milan and Barcelona both expressing their interest in signing the Manchester United midfielder.

Lingard has made just one start in all competitions so far this season, which came in a 1-0 Carabao Cup defeat at home to West Ham United.

PA: Jesse Lingard scores against West Ham United
PA: Jesse Lingard scores against West Ham United

He has made an impact off the bench though, after coming on as a substitute and scoring in the 4-1 and 2-1 wins over Newcastle United and West Ham.

But the 28-year-old has fuelled speculation of an imminent departure from Old Trafford after rejecting a new contract offer from the Red Devils last month. He is now able to leave the club as a free agent next summer, with The Daily Mail reporting that both Milan and Barça are keen on a deal.

Lingard enjoyed a renaissance in his career during a loan spell with West Ham last season, scoring 9 goals in 16 appearances.

Former Hammers midfielder Trevor Sinclair questioned why he did not join the east London club on a permanent basis in an interview with talkSPORT.

"If he doesn't get given them assurances and sign a new deal, then that says he's not ambitious as a player, he said.

"I'm slightly confused that he didn't want to sign for West Ham permanently.

"He was loved there and was the main man. He played one time for Manchester United in 2021, but played 16 times for West Ham and got into double figures for goals and back in the England squad.

"Why would you not want to be in that environment?"

That form with West Ham propelled Lingard back towards the fringes of the England squad, but he ultimately missed out on a place in the final 26.

PA: Jesse Lingard celebrates winning the FA Cup.
PA: Jesse Lingard celebrates winning the FA Cup.

If Lingard does leave Old Trafford, it would end a 20-year spell with his boyhood club that includes four major trophies: the FA Cup, League Cup, Europa League and Community Shield.

Among his highlights at United include a memorable extra-time winner to beat Crystal Palace in the 2016 FA Cup Final, and another strike in 3-2 victory over Southampton in the League Cup Final a year later. He also scored in the 2016 Community Shield victory over Leicester City, as United triumphed with a 2-1 win.

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Topics: Manchester United, Barcelona, Trevor Sinclair, Premier League, AC Milan, West Ham United, Jesse Lingard