MANCHESTER UNITED may be forced to take Jesse Lingard back with West Ham reportedly struggling to meet his £100,000-a-week wage demands.
The midfielder has been sensational since moving to the East Londoners on loan but his London Stadium stay could be quite a short one.
Lingard’s Man Utd contract does not expire until next summer.
And he is looking for a four-year, £100k-a-week deal to make the switch to West Ham during the next transfer window, according to the Mail.
But the Hammers are said to be unable to commit to such terms which could see the playmaker return to Old Trafford to see out the final year of his contract.
Lingard didn’t play a single Premier League minute for United in the first half of the season.
But the England ace has bagged nine goals in 13 appearances for the Irons since his January loan and has forced his way back into Gareth Southgate’s England team.
Hammers boss David Moyes – who worked with Lingard when he was Man Utd manager – has played a vital role in the 28-year-old’s career revival and is desperate to sign him.
But West Ham are said to be hesitant to commit to such a significant deal until they receive Government assurances about fans returning next season.
They also have highest earner Felipe Anderson returning from his loan at Porto at the end of the season and will have to start paying all of his £140k-a-week wages again.
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And their ability to get the Brazilian off the books may also determine how much they can or cannot spend.
Michail Antonio signed a contract extension until 2023 before Christmas and club legend Mark Noble – who got pelted with flour and eggs on his birthday – got another year in March.
But all other player negotiations – including talks over a new deal for Moyes – are said to be on hold for now.
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