Manchester United hoping Everton might come to the table for Lingard
Manchester United are hoping Everton might come to the table for attacker Jesse Lingard, according to Claret and Hugh.
The Red Devils are keen to cash in on the England international, 29, before the end of the January transfer window as he is set to become a free agent at the end of 2021-22.
They had plans to bank around £10million for his signature and were anticipating an auction from the likes of Newcastle United, West Ham and the Toffees.
However, Man Utd have been left disappointed as they have not received a single cash offer for Lingard, and they could be forced to sell him for half of their valuation.
Boost for Everton?
The Telegraph reported back in November that the Goodison Park outfit are looking at the possibility of a free transfer for the attacking midfielder, and it appears that got the Old Trafford outfit thinking they could move in January amid their recent injury woes.
That has not happened so far, with West Ham believed to be waiting until the closing hours of the winter transfer window before launching a low-ball offer.
Rafa Benitez has signed full-backs Vitaliy Mykolenko and Nathan Patterson so far this month, and he is expected to add one or two more quality additions to his ranks.
Everton need to strengthen going forward, and Lingard could be a fine option.
He is struggling to make an impact at the Theatre of Dreams and is yet to start a Premier League game this season, but he proved his quality during the second half of last season at the London Stadium, grabbing nine goals and four assists in 16 Premier League games.
The Toffees could do with such a player right now, and they should be considering joining West Ham in the race.
Lingard could be available for a bargain fee, and that is the type of deals Everton are looking for at the moment given their Financial Fair Play shortcomings.
In other Everton news, the Toffees are plotting January loan-to-buy bid for centre-mid hailed by Jack Grealish last month.
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