Manchester United are set to offer Jesse Lingard an improved three-year deal at Old Trafford worth £130,000-a-week.
The 28-year-old midfielder, who has one year remaining on his current deal at United, is wanted by West Ham this summer after making a huge impact during a five-month loan spell, where he netted nine goals and five assists in 16 games.
Last month, Bruno Fernandes even labelled his teammate "the best player in the Premier League" after his terrific form under David Moyes. "Everyone here is really, really happy for him," Fernandes said. "He has confidence back, he has his swag back, because he is feeling confident."
A rejuvenated Lingard certainly enjoyed his time in East London but according to The Daily Star, The Hammers are 'struggling' to meet United's £25 million valuation and £110,000-a-week wages.
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In fact, the report claims United have 'complicated the situation' by putting an improved contract on the table worth £130,000-a-week.
There will also be an option to trigger another year on Lingard's contract.
It remains to be seen whether Lingard will accept the deal or not but a key factor in his decision will be regular first-team opportunities.
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"Regular football is the most important thing for me," Lingard told Sky Sports.
"After going on loan and getting a good run in the team, you started to see the real me, with the goals and the assists.
"I've never doubted my ability, I've always believed in myself. I spoke to the manager [Solskjaer] in pre-season and said, 'I need game time'. He said, 'We can discuss it December time', and we spoke again and he agreed to let me go on loan.
"I had various conversations with him during my time at West Ham. He was very supportive and it was a great loan for me."
Do you think Lingard should stay at Manchester United or go elsewhere?
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Let us know in the comments.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Football, Manchester United, Transfers, West Ham, Jesse Lingard
