West Ham United target Jesse Lingard is making ‘extravagant’ wage demands as he searches for his next club, according to journalist Jacque Talbot.

The 29-year-old is set to leave Manchester United on a free transfer when his current contract expires next month, but it remains unclear who he will be turning out for next term.

What is the latest news involving Lingard?

According to Sky Sports, West Ham have made ‘initial enquiries’ with Lingard's representatives over signing the attacking midfielder this summer.

The Hammers tried to sign the player during the January transfer window, only for their efforts to be rebuffed as the Red Devils didn’t want to sanction his departure to a top-four rival.

However, Lingard could finally secure a permanent move to the London Stadium as The Guardian have also provided a positive update on the situation.

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It’s stated that West Ham’s hierarchy are ‘weighing up whether to push ahead’ with a move to bring the England international back to east London following his impressive loan spell last term.

Lingard scored nine goals and provided a further five assists in just 16 Premier League appearances for the Irons after joining them in January 2020 on a temporary basis.

What has Talbot said about Lingard?

Lingard currently earns £80,000-per-week at Old Trafford and as he’s available for free, he can realistically request a sizeable wage package, but Talbot believes he may be pricing himself out of a move to West Ham.

In an interview with GiveMeSport, he said: “Jesse Lingard ticks a lot of boxes. But I'm told as well that the wage demands of his are extravagant for what he is.

“And the trouble is, he's on such a good wage at Manchester United, I do get it's going be hard to take that pay cut.”

Do West Ham need Lingard?

Summer signing Nikola Vlasic, who was effectively Lingard’s replacement, struggled to make an impact at West Ham in his maiden campaign with the club.

The Croatia international registered just one goal and three assists in 36 outings across all competitions throughout 2021/22 following his £33.4 million switch from CSKA Moscow.

Meanwhile, only Jarrod Bowen, Michail Antonio and Said Benrahma reached double figures for goals this season for West Ham, highlighting why manager David Moyes may want some additional strength in depth in the final third of the pitch.

Adding Lingard to his ranks would surely be seen as a sizeable coup for Moyes, allowing him to continue his impressive progress with West Ham.