Jesse Lingard’s hopes of leaving Manchester United before this evenings transfer deadline have been squashed.
Having been an integral part of the Manchester United side under Jose Mourinho and the early days of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the arrival of Bruno Fernandes two years ago has drastically reduced the midfielder’s opportunities.
Lingard spent the second half of last season on loan at West Ham, scoring nine goals and providing four assists in just 16 Premier League outings for the Hammers and forcing his way back into the England setup.
However, despite Solskjaer’s insistence that he would get game time, the 29-year-old is yet to start a Premier League game for United this season, and with just six months remaining on his deal, he has signalled his intent to draw a line under his time with the Red Devils.
Newcastle and West Ham have been most strongly linked with interest, while Everton and Spurs have also been tentatively mentioned as potential destinations throughout the January window.
According to The Athletic, Ralf Rangnick had given Lingard his ‘blessing’ to leave on loan, but despite though the club having being reluctantly willing to sanction his departure, they have now done an about-turn and have informed him that he will now ‘not be allowed’ to leave before the 11pm transfer deadline.
United have already allowed Anthony Martial and Amad Diallo to leave on loan to Sevilla and Rangers respectively, while Donny van de Beek is expected to join Everton in the remaining hours of the window.
The Red Devils squad is further depleted following the arrest of Mason Greenwood, with United having said that the forward will not feature for the club again while the Police investigation into allegations of rape and assault are ongoing.
The news will be a blow to Newcastle and West Ham who both submitted improved offers for Lingard on deadline day, the player now expected to leave his boyhood side for free in the summer upon the expiry of his contract.
