Pundit suggests West Ham to launch covert Lingard raid after Man United latest

Paul Robinson has claimed West Ham will be among a queue of clubs battling to sign Jesse Lingard if Manchester United green light his exit.

The former Spurs goalkeeper, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the Hammers need to launch a covert raid for the 28-year-old to avoid rival interest.

The Express reported yesterday (August 17th) the Hammers are readying another bid for the Manchester United man.

The newspaper claims that United have reduced their asking price to £20million.

The 28-year-old has just one year remaining on his contract at Old Trafford.

However, Robinson suggests it may not be plain sailing for West Ham to secure Lingard.

“Lingard looked like a player who found his love for football again last season," he told Football Insider's Ewan Kingsbury.

"I thought he was unlucky not to be in the Euros squad.

“He looked like the quality player everyone saw when he broke through at Manchester United.

“I think a move away would be good for him. At West Ham he seemed happy, played with freedom, and played probably the best football I’ve seen from him.

“He looked reinvigorated last season, so it wouldn’t be beneficial for him to sit on the bench for Man United.

“If he wants to leave and United want to sell, and that becomes public, he will have a lot more suitors than just West Ham.

“West Ham will have to move quickly and quietly if it’s a deal that they want to do I can see it happening.”

After a January loan switch from United, Lingard scored nine goals and made five assists in 16 games.

West Ham will be fighting on four fronts this season, after achieving Europa League football through a sixth-place finish last term.

In other news, the Hammers have been tipped to sign this centre back.