Manchester United loanee to snub top six rivals in order to stay with Hammers

The revival of Jesse Lingard since joining West Ham on loan in January has been nothing short of remarkable, with the 28-year-old scoring nine goals in 13 games to keep the Hammers on course for a Champions League spot.

Lingard, who has also managed a further four assists during his time in East London, was recalled to the England squad by Gareth Southgate in March and could now be considered among the frontrunners to take one of the attacking midfield spots in the squad for this summer’s European Championships.

The Manchester United loanee’s form has not gone unnoticed by other Premier League clubs, and it appears that North London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are both keen on the possibility of singing the player this summer.

However, according to TEAMtalk, the midfielder is set to snub Arsenal and Spurs, in order to pursue a permanent move to the London Stadium.

Lingard scored in West Ham’s 3-2 defeat to Newcastle on Saturday

United will reportedly demand a fee of £21.5 million for Lingard’s services, which West Ham view as an affordable investment even with the £3 million they have already shelled out as a loan fee.

Both Arsenal and Spurs had been linked with potential moves for the player, with the former having allegedly had an offer rejected in January.

It has been proposed that Lingard may have forged a route back into the United first team with his scintillating form, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admitted that he had been kept out by the form of Bruno Fernandes but that he would like the player back.

However, Lingard reportedly feels that staying at West Ham would be the best option for his career and has allegedly told the club his feelings.

With West Ham still in the middle of a battle for the top four, Lingard could well prove even more valuable to the Hammers in the final weeks of the season.

With the player committed to the club, though, it appears that Arsenal and Spurs may well have to look elsewhere.