Everton want to sign Jesse Lingard on free transfer this summer
Everton are interested in signing Jesse Lingard after his Manchester United exit was confirmed, but they face competition from Serie A giants Roma.
The 29-year-old England international came through the Carrington academy at United but will leave the club when his contract expires next month after failing to break into their first-team regularly.
The attacking midfielder is known to have plenty of suitors, notably West Ham, but according to Gazzetta Dello Sport [June 2], Everton and Jose Mourinho’s Roma side are also in the race for his signature.
Frank Lampard is keen to strengthen the squad after narrowly avoiding relegation in the 2021/22 season, but doesn’t have a hefty summer budget as the club deal with financial issues off the pitch.
But with no transfer fee attached Lingard could represent a bargain deal for the Toffees to strengthen their midfield and attacking areas and bring some much needed experience and quality to the squad.
Clever
Everton need goals, experience, quality, depth and bargain signings this summer, and Lingard could potentially tick all those boxes.
Lampard is known to be a big fan of Lingard, who scored nine goals in 16 appearances for West Ham during a loan spell in the second half of the 2020/21 season.
But after a year on the sidelines again at Old Trafford, where he scored just twice in 22 games, a fresh environment could be exactly what’s needed to kickstart his career once again.
He would remain relatively local, which would help him with his family situation which he has been vocal about, while also keeping him in the Premier League to try and get back in the England squad.
His wage demands are reportedly high which could be a problem, but with no transfer fee that is to be expected and Everton may have to just bite their tongue and get a deal done because nobody talks about those things if the deal is a success.
In other Everton news, star man ready for talks with Lampard over his future and hasn’t ruled out an exit
Be sure to follow Goodison News on Facebook for 24/7 updates on Everton plus more exclusive interviews with Kevin Campbell