Everton still seem to be open to market opportunities despite the fact that they are without a manager, a director of football and the head of recruitment. Names have been loosely linked to the Toffees and one of them is Manchester United attacker Jesse Lingard.
A managerial appointment is to be made soon with Frank Lampard, Vitor Pereira and Duncan Ferguson being considered for the permanent roles. The incoming manager will barely have time to scout targets or make any suggestions for this window hence, the board already has a short list of players.
Lingard happens to be one of the targets. The 29 year old is out of contract at the end of the season and just like Anthony Martial, he has seen playing time incredibly hard to come by. Lingard has 14 appearances across all competitions out of which only two are starts. He is yet to start a Premier League game and is desperately seeking a move away from Old Trafford.
While Martial was successful in securing a loan deal to Sevilla, Lingard has seen one deal fall through. In a frantic attempt to avoid relegation, Newcastle United are making big moves in the transfer market. After acquiring Chris Wood and Kieran Trippier, the Magpies were keen to bring Lingard to St James’ Park.
Everton monitoring Jesse Lingard
However, Manchester United haven’t dealt with the interested parties for Lingard reasonably. The Englishman was ready to join the Toons but the Red Devils demanded a package of £15 million for a mere six month loan, angering Newcastle. The Manchester club feel that Lingard can have a monumental impact in Newcastle’s relegation battle and help them survive which is why they are asking for a ‘survival bonus’.
The deal seems to have failed at this point and there are other clubs monitoring the Englishman’s situation. Lingard wants to play regular football to remain in contention of selection for the England squad.
According to Manchester Evening News, Everton are said to be one of the few Premier League teams keeping an eye on Lingard. Along with Everton, there is Leicester City, Aston Villa and Burnley.
What Lingard did at West Ham last season is something that Everton are craving right now. Perhaps, he could be the jigsaw piece that ignites the attack and sets Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin firing. The Toffees have already seen their one loan bid turned down. Given their interest in Lingard, there could be another offer before the end of the January window.
Will Jesse Lingard join Everton?