Agbonlahor Exclusive: West Ham formation change tipped after big transfer development
West Ham United are in desperate need of reinforcements to ensure competition for places throughout the side and that means Jesse Lingard would be a good signing.
That is the view of former Aston Villa and England striker Gabriel Agbonlahor, speaking exclusively to Football Insider as the Irons' close in on the loan signing of the England international.
Lingard has drastically fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford and has not featured in the Premier League this season.
“It would just give them more options,” Agbonlahor told Football Insider.
“If they wanted to change their formation they could play Soucek and Rice and then Lingard in front with Bowen, Benrahma and Antonio up front.
“They could mix their formation up and Lingard could play as a number 10 or he could play as a number eight with Soucek as another number eight in front of Rice.
“There are many ways he could fit into that side.
“West Ham do need competition for places as well. Benrahma hasn’t been in great form, Lanzini and Fornals haven’t been in great form.
“So I’m sure David Moyes will be open to a bit of competition, especially if it’s only a loan.”
Lingard has been limited to three appearances in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup this season and last started a Premier League game over a year ago.
He has scored 18 times and provided 12 assists in 133 Premier League games for Manchester United.
In other news, Leeds United have attempted to ambush a West Ham deal after he jets in to sign for the Irons, Football Insider can reveal.