West Ham are continuing to monitor Manchester United ace Jesse Lingard, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

David Moyes' side have been keen on the 29-year-old for the last two windows and can sign him on a free transfer following the expiration of his Red Devils contract later this month.

What's the latest news involving Lingard?

After months of uncertainty regarding his Old Trafford future, Lingard's boyhood club recently announced that he would finally be leaving the club once his deal runs out.

GiveMeSport Transfer Update With Dean Jones

GiveMeSport Transfer Update With Dean Jones

Lingard returned to United following his impressive loan spell with the Hammers last summer and was hoping to earn a starting place under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

But he didn't get the regular game-time that he badly craved, with the England international starting just two Premier League games throughout the whole of last season.

As a result, United confirmed that Lingard won't be extending his stay with the club, meaning he's on the market.

West Ham tried to sign him 12 months ago and then in January, and Jones reckons that Moyes' side are plotting a third attempt to convince Lingard to return to the London Stadium, where he scored nine goals in 14 games and was described as 'unbelievable ' by talkSPORT's Andy Goldstein.

What did Jones say about Lingard?

He told GIVEMESPORT: "They're still on the look out for good options. Jesse Lingard we know they've had huge interest in and continue to monitor. So, if they're monitoring Jesse Lingard, they must want someone of that style."

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Why are West Ham so desperate to sign Lingard?

Putting his whole affiliation with Moyes and the fact he's performed well for the Hammers in the past to one side, one standout aspect to this transfer is that he wouldn't cost the Londoners a penny.

Wages aside, which might prove an issue given Lingard is demanding £150,000 per-week, West Ham have the opportunity to sign a proven international footballer and someone with 74 goals in his club career for absolutely nothing.

Last season proved a dreadful one for Lingard, who scored twice and was hardly given a look in despite United's own dire form, but he would provide competition to Moyes' squad and instantly improve West Ham's frontline.  

Going deep in the Europa League stretched Moyes' squad, which ultimately cost them a place in next season's competition, meaning additions like Lingard should help prevent that from happening again.