West Ham to make contract decision on former Man Utd man ‘today’ as Prem rivals plot hijack
West Ham United could reportedly make a decision today on whether or not to offer free agent Jesse Lingard a new contract with the club.
The 30-year-old has been training with the Hammers for the last few weeks as he tries to get match-fit. David Moyes, however, has been mulling over what to do with him for a while.
Lingard left Nottingham Forest at the end of last season after his performances failed to match up to his £80,000 per week wage.
He made 20 appearances at the City Ground, scoring two goals and making two assists in the process. That was not enough to convince Steve Cooper to extend his deal.
Lingard’s season-long stint with Forest came after he left Manchester United. His contract there came to an end in 2022, after he saw his minutes gradually diminish.
His best form in recent years arguably came at West Ham. He spent the second half of the 2020/21 season on loan there, netting nine goals and making five assists in 16 appearances for the London club.
Now, as mentioned, Lingard is keen on signing for the Hammers for another season, and the London club are expected to make a decision on him imminently.
According to journalist Sean Whetstone, West Ham could be just hours away from offering Lingard a new contract.
He claims that Lingard is set to feature in a behind-closed-doors friendly for the Hammers against Ipswich Town today, which will be his ‘biggest test’ as he ‘looks to earn a new contract.’
Sky Sports journalist Pete Graves also confirmed on Wednesday that the friendly would be crucial in Moyes’ decision.
Graves adds that West Ham remain the most likely destination for the former England international. Wolves, however, ‘have arrived with late interest as they look to bolster their squad,’ so cannot be ruled out of the race just yet.
It has also been reported elsewhere that Lingard has received two contract offers from Saudi clubs recently.
Thursday is described as the ‘decisive day’ for the attacking midfielder, so West Ham fans should find out whether or not they will be offering him a contract after their friendly against Ipswich is played.
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