West Ham: 'Definitely a feeling' 56-goal star will sign at London Stadium

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By Jake Sanders

Published Jul 19, 2022

West Ham target Jesse Lingard could be on the verge of finally sealing a return to the London Stadium, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 23: David Moyes, Manager of West Ham United celebrates following the Premier League match between West Ham United and Southampton at London Stadium on May 23, 2021 in London, England. A limited number of fans will be allowed into Premier League stadiums as Coronavirus restrictions begin to ease in the UK. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

West Ham target Jesse Lingard could be on the verge of finally sealing a return to the London Stadium, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Following months of speculation over his next club, the England international is set to make a decision on his future in the coming days, with the Hammers seemingly in the driving seat.

What's the latest news involving Lingard?

According to the Evening Standard, West Ham believe they are in 'pole position' to land the 29-year-old, who's a free agent after his contract expired at Manchester United last month.

GiveMeSport Transfer Update With Dean Jones

Since his deal at Old Trafford ran out, Lingard has been weighing up his options and even travelled to America to consider offers from the MLS, although The Athletic's David Ornstein quickly ruled out a move Stateside.

But Lingard is also 'considering' a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia, which would see him paid around £10m per year, while three Premier League clubs are also interested in signing him.

The Athletic state that Lingard will have made his mind up by no later than Friday and Jones reckons there's a "feeling" that he will end up re-signing for West Ham.

What did Jones say about Lingard?

He told GIVEMESPORT: "Lingard had such a positive impact on the place last time around that there's a certain expectation that if he heads back again, there will be more positive vibes that reinvigorate this squad.

"It's a really exciting idea to have Lingard coming back, and there's definitely a feeling he's choosing them."

Is Lingard a good signing for them?

As Jones alluded to, Lingard will make a huge difference in the dressing room, with his positive attitude going some way to helping the club qualify for the Europa League back in 2020-2021.

But Lingard is also a capable footballer on the pitch at Premier League level, scoring 29 goals and laying on 17 assists in the top-flight, with many of his 165 appearances coming from the bench.

Overall, Lingard has scored 56 club career goals, nine of which came in 16 games in claret and blue, and if he can continue where he left off during his loan spell, then this could prove one of the best free transfers for years.

The downside is that Lingard hasn't played a second of football in pre-season, which comes after he made just a handful of starts last season, so Moyes will need to quickly get him up to scratch.