Jesse Lingard flying to USA to discuss ‘ground breaking’ MLS deals, Everton still in race
Everton target Jesse Lingard is set to fly to the United States for talks with two MLS clubs who are making “ground breaking” offers to sign him, according to ESPN.
The England international is a free agent after his Manchester United contract expired at the end of last month, and has been weighing up his options ever since.
The Toffees are in the race [Liverpool Echo, July 1] to bring him to Goodison Park on a free transfer, while West Ham have offered him a contract, but the player is taking his time over making a decision on his future.
A report from ESPN [July 6] claims that Lingard is due for talks with two MLS clubs with his representatives to hear their pitch about taking him across the pond during the prime years of his career.
The 29-year-old is prioritising game time to try and force his way back into the England squad for the World Cup.
Tense
Everton were always fighting an uphill battle when it comes to signing Lingard because of the interest from his former club West Ham, but it may have just got even more difficult.
If Lingard is really prioritising game time, then the club absolutely have a chance of signing him. They’re in desperate need of attacking reinforcements after Richarlison’s exit and he would come into the team as first-choice.
But if other factors come into play, such as money, then it will be tough for Frank Lampard’s side to match the financial muscle of West Ham or the MLS sides considering their financial situation.
Lampard is a fan of Lingard and could try to convince him during talks that he would be a key player, something that saw him get back in the England squad when it happened at West Ham in the 2020/21 season.
But as it stands it seems unlikely that the Toffees will be able to get this one over the line barring something dramatic swinging it in their favour, so fans probably shouldn’t get their hopes up.