Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has re-started contract talks with FA Cup Final hero Jesse Lingard, as he prepares to reward the youngster’s progress with a long-term deal, according to the Mirror.
However, the British newspaper also report that there are three Premier League clubs interested in the Englishman’s services – Everton, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United.
All three of those clubs would benefit from Lingard’s creativity and width, as well as his passion for the game, as they aim to become serious title challengers on a regular basis – but with Louis van Gaal out of the picture at Old Trafford, they may have a tough time getting anywhere near young Jesse.
Lingard has been at the club since he was eight years old, progressing through the youth ranks all the way to the senior team. He has scored goals in the FA Youth Cup and FA Cup finals, as well as being touted as a possible wildcard for England’s European Championship squad earlier this summer.
The attacking midfielder has mainly played on the wing since his promotion to the senior team and started there again in Mourinho’s first game in charge of the club, a pre-season friendly against Wigan, impressing in his 45 minute spell.
However with Kevin Mirallas and Nacer Chadli not getting any younger at Everton and Spurs, and with West Ham looking to push for a Champions League spot, he would be a fantastic candidate for any of those clubs, should a shock turn of events see Lingard wanting to leave Old Trafford.
