West Ham United target Jesse Lingard 'would be interested' in sealing a return to the London Stadium after his Manchester United contract expires, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.

The Hammers finished the Premier League campaign in seventh place and it appears boss David Moyes has already turned his attentions towards strengthening his squad.

What's the latest news involving Lingard?

Lingard has entered the final weeks of his Manchester United career as his £80,000-per-week deal will come to an end on June 30.

The creative midfielder is understood to be seeking a major pay rise when he moves on from Old Trafford, with him aiming to secure a £150,000-per-week contract and lucrative signing-on fee, which has put Newcastle United off making a move.

But that has not stopped West Ham in their tracks as the east Londoners have made ‘initial enquiries’ with Lingard’s representatives.

Moyes' charges also attempted to sign the 29-year-old on loan during the January transfer window, but they were unsuccessful in their pursuit.

That came 12 months on from West Ham succeeding in negotiating a temporary switch to the London Stadium, where Lingard scored nine goals and contributed a further five assists in 16 appearances.

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What has Pete O'Rourke said about Lingard?

O'Rourke believes Lingard is open to sealing his return to West Ham after his Manchester United contract expires.

The journalist feels securing the 32-cap England international's signature would be a major boost for Moyes.

O'Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: "I'm sure Jesse Lingard would be interested in going back to West Ham. He knows the players and has worked under the coaching staff already.

"As David Moyes has worked previously with Jesse Lingard, he knows what he can bring to the table as well.

"I think, for everybody connected, this could be a good move and something that would definitely improve West Ham for next season."

Are West Ham facing competition from any other clubs?

According to the Mirror, three Italian clubs are willing to offer Lingard a route out of the Premier League.

The report suggests Roma, Juventus and AC Milan are interested in the attacking midfielder, who has previously been described as 'amazing' by former West Ham and Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand.

Heading to Roma would result in Lingard reuniting with Jose Mourinho, who handed him 107 appearances during his Red Devils reign.

In fact, Lingard has not featured under any manager on more occasions than the Portuguese.