Everton face competition to bring £18m man who is set to leave Manchester United this summer

Jesse Lingard is set to leave Manchester United as his deal expires, ending his 21 year association with the Manchester club. Lingard had signed a one year extension in 2020 but the lack of opportunities at Old Trafford meant that the Englishman was inclined to part ways with his boyhood club.

The 29 year old featured in 16 Premier League games but started just two games all season. Under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as well as Ralf Rangnick, Lingard was a rotational option and often overlooked because of the plethora of options in the attack.

Lingard’s career was hitting stagnancy before he went out on loan to West Ham United in the second half of the 2020-21 season. Under David Moyes, the Englishman reinvented himself as one of the most fluid attacking player in the West Ham side. In 16 games that he played for the Hammers, he scored nine goals and provided five assists, helping them achieve a top six finish in the league.

Last summer West Ham tried to pursue a permanent deal but a deal never materialized. With Lingard leaving the Theatre of Dreams this summer, a number of sides are actively following the 29 year old attacking midfielder.

Everton interested in Jesse Lingard

According to 90min, Everton are among the clubs interested in Lingard. AS Roma manager Jose Mourinho is contemplating on making a move for free agent Lingard this summer but could face competition from English sides Everton and West Ham.

Under Mourinho, Lingard played 107 games, scoring 20 goals and assisting another 11. He had an amicable relationship with the Portuguese manager hence an interest from Roma is justified. On the other hand, West Ham have always been admirers of the 29 year old, especially, after his extremely successful spell at the London stadium.

Everton may have to refresh their attack and while Lingard is not an outright forward, he thrives in the attacking midfield role and has the ability to play on the wings. The precarious financial situation means that the Toffees cannot spend big and will have to look for cheap deals and free transfers.

For Lingard, they’ll be spending less and getting more. Everton will not have to pay a single penny to United so a decent deal can be offered to the Englishman. However, there is nothing concrete from Everton’s side at the moment but as we move forward in the summer, transfer plans will start to take shape.

Should the Toffees attempt in signing Jesse Lingard?