West Ham signing Jesse Lingard this summer is looking doubtful with a move to the London Stadium only likely to happen at the end of the transfer window, according to Daily Star journalist Paul Brown.

The 32-cap England international will become a free agent when his Manchester United contract expires at the end of the month, and he's once again been linked with a move to the London Stadium.

What's the latest news involving Lingard?

Having failed to convince the 29-year-old to sign permanently last summer or in January, this is now the third window the Hammers have tried their luck with Lingard.

Their first two unsuccessful attempts were because he wanted to fight for a place at United, and then because the Old Trafford outfit weren't willing to sell to a direct top four rival in the winter.

But with Lingard, described by Rio Ferdinand as an 'intelligent footballer', on the verge of being without a club, West Ham could have a free run at his signature, especially after Newcastle ended their interest in him because of his wage demands.

Sky Sports believe that David Moyes' side have made 'initial enquiries' over his services, although Brown reckons it's unlikely Lingard signs for the Londoners in the upcoming window.

What did Brown say about Lingard?

He told GIVEMESPORT: "I think if he ends up at West Ham, it'll be because he left it too late in the window and he doesn't see a better option on the table and takes it.

"And I'm not sure that's a good position for West Ham to be in really to be waiting around for someone who might not have the commitment they need, so at the moment it doesn't look very likely that he's going to West Ham."

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Why do West Ham want Lingard?

Not only do West Ham want him because he's liked by Moyes and enjoyed an exceptional loan spell back in the 2020-2021 season but signing a player of his quality for nothing is extremely good business.

Lingard's United career was not without problems, but he still managed 56 goal contributions for his boyhood club, and proved that with a run of games, he's more than talented enough to produce regularly at Premier League level.

In the 2017-2018 season, when he played his most top-flight minutes for United, he scored eight goals and assisted six, while he netted one more and assisted one fewer on loan at West Ham.