Whelan: Lingard ‘isn’t going away’ as West Ham try to strike deal
Noel Whelan claims Jesse Lingard’s latest England blow will have no bearing on his West Ham future.
The former Leeds United striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, reacted to the latest on Lingard’s future.
The attacker missed out on the original 26-man Euros squad that was announced ahead of England’s recent friendlies.
The door was re-opened for Lingard after Trent Alexander-Arnold was ruled out of the tournament with an injury.
However, it was today (7th June) announced Southgate has instead chosen Brighton’s Ben White to make the revised squad
As quoted by the Standard on 23rd May, Irons boss David Moyes is desperate to re-sign the attacking midfielder after an impressive loan spell at London Stadium.
Whelan claims Lingard’s omission will neither aid nor hamper West Ham’s attempts to sign him permanently.
“On one hand it’s good. On the other hand, it doesn’t really make a difference,” Whelan told Football Insider correspondent Dylan Childs.
“He’s still caught the eye of many clubs. There are still people talking about him saying he should go to the Euros.
“Lingard isn’t going away. If England don’t produce in midfield, whose name is going to come up? Lingard’s.
“He’s still a player many people would like to have in their side. Going to the Euros would have given him the platform to carry on the good work he was doing at West Ham.
“I still think there’s a choice for Lingard about his future. It’s not done and dusted that he’s going to West Ham.”
Lingard scored nine goals in 16 outings after signing for West Ham on loan from Manchester United.
He also picked up six assists as he helped the Hammers qualify for the Europa League.
In other news, Robinson backs West Ham to sign ‘a diamond of English football’ after reported update.