Manchester United prepared to sell midfielder for less than half of the £25 million the demanded in summer

A little under a year ago, Jesse Lingard emerged from the wilderness at Manchester United, and joined West Ham United on a short-term loan deal.

Having managed just 15 goal involvements in 79 games for United and failed to make an appearance in the Premier League during the first half of the season, few were expecting Lingard to impress in East London.

His doubters couldn’t have been proved more wrong, however, as the 28-year-old scored nine goals and registered four assists in his first ten matches for the Hammers.

His sensational form earned him a recall to Gareth Southgate’s England squad, although he narrowly missed out on Euro 2020, and fuelled speculation that West Ham would make a permanent move for the player over the summer.

While David Moyes’ side expressed their interest, they couldn’t agree a deal with Manchester United, who demanded £25 million for a player who had failed to make the Red Devils’ match day squad in 17 of the first 21 games of the season.

While a move never materialised, fans were keen to see whether Lingard could make the most of the opportunity of a fresh start in Manchester.

However, the midfielder has been unable to continue his Hammers form this season, largely through a lack of game time, having not started a single Premier League match so far.

Now, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is reportedly prepared to let Lingard leave in January, for less than half of the fee that they demanded over the summer.

Lingard’s only start so far this term was in the Carabao Cup against West Ham

As per The Sun, Lingard could be allowed to leave for as little as £10 million, despite United demanding £25 million for the player less than four months ago.

The report says that Lingard, who was determined to prove himself at the club over the summer, will now be allowed to leave in January, with the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo pushing him further down the pecking order at Old Trafford.

The news will undoubtedly be of interest to West Ham, who could be tempted by the player at a cut price having refused to pay more than £18 million for him over the summer.

Lingard still has a good relationship with Moyes, and the opportunity to move to West Ham would present him with the chance of regular game time ahead of next year’s World Cup.

The player was once again omitted from Southgate’s latest England squad, but will be hopeful of a place for next winter’s showpiece if he can once again find his best form.