West Ham United have a 'really good chance' of welcoming Manchester United star Jesse Lingard back to the London Stadium in the summer, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.

Lingard spent the second half of last season on loan with the Hammers and they are almost certain to return for the creative midfielder at the end of the campaign.

What's the latest news involving Lingard?

West Ham went head-to-head with Premier League rivals Newcastle United in a bid to conclude a deal which would have seen the target join on a temporary basis last month.

Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick was open to allowing Lingard to head out of Old Trafford in the final days of the January transfer window, but the switch failed to materialise.

Tottenham Hotspur are also keen to attract Lingard to London and are understood to have approached his representatives shortly after the turn of the year.

But for a late change of heart, Lingard is set to leave Manchester United due to entering the final five months of his £80,000-per-week contract.

The 29-year-old recently had a public falling out with Rangnick, hitting back on social media after the German suggested Lingard had asked for time away from the squad to 'clear his mind' as a result of failing to seal his exit.

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What has Pete O'Rourke said about Lingard?

O'Rourke believes West Ham are the frontrunners to secure Lingard's services despite interest from Newcastle, the world's richest football club, and London rivals Tottenham.

The journalist feels the 32-cap England international's loan stint at the London Stadium means they have the upper-hand in proceedings.

O'Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: "The thing that gives West Ham a really good chance of getting this deal done is what happened previously with Lingard.

"He had a great spell on loan there last season. He knows David Moyes, he knows the club and he knows the players as well."

What happened during Lingard's initial spell at West Ham?

Lingard became a firm favourite with West Ham's supporters and boss Moyes as he scored nine goals and recorded a further five assists in 16 outings for the east Londoners.

His influence in the final third of the pitch played a key role in the Hammers registering a club record Premier League points tally last season, which was enough to secure Europa League qualification.

It appears Lingard still feels he has unfinished business at West Ham as he reportedly wanted to return to the London Stadium last month.