Jesse Lingard is edging closer to a return to West Ham United after a breakthrough in contract talks with his representatives, 90min understands.
The 29-year-old is currently a free agent after leaving Manchester United at the end of June, but has been in no hurry to decide his future amid a flurry of interest from clubs both at home and abroad.
Lingard was an absolute revelation during a short loan stint at West Ham between January and May 2021, bagging nine goals in 16 Premier League appearances, but he opted to return to Manchester United last summer in a bid to force his way into the plans of then manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The 32-cap England international wasn't able to command any sort of game time under Solskjaer or successor Ralf Rangnick, and was even denied the opportunity to leave Old Trafford in January despite being willing to do so.
West Ham manager David Moyes has always wanted to reunite with Lingard at London Stadium - he has been towards the top of the club's transfer target list all summer long - and 90min understands that an agreement has edged closer after further positive talks were held with his entourage.
💥 #WHUFC close to agreeing permanent Armando Broja deal - something the player really wanted. Indication is West Ham may pull out of Gianluca Scamacca move, although signing both strikers not 100% off the table.
— Toby Cudworth (@Toby_Cudworth) July 18, 2022
✍️ w @GraemeBailey | @90min_Football https://t.co/0mM8P4I2vA
There's now renewed optimism that Lingard will continue his career at West Ham, with Everton and Newcastle among the Premier League sides who could miss out after showing an interest in signing him.
DC United, now managed by Wayne Rooney, had also explored taking Lingard over to MLS, while he also courted interest from a number of clubs across Europe.
Elsewhere, West Ham are closing in on the signing of Chelsea striker Armando Broja on a permanent deal and remain in the running for Sassuolo striker Gianluca Scamacca - although that deal has slowed up after a lack of progress with his agent.
West Ham have been actively searching for reinforcements for lone frontman Michail Antonio, and 90min understands that a deal worth an initial £25m, including a buy-back clause, is close to being finalised. There's also hope that a new left-back and central midfielder will be signed before the transfer window slams shut at the end of August.
Source : 90min