Jesse Lingard was an unused substitute in the win over Brentford at Old Trafford last night.
While the 29-year-old is expected to leave Manchester United when his contract expires in the summer, he was not handed a cameo from the bench for the final home game of the season.
This resulted in his brother Louie Scott fuming on social media for not giving him a proper send-off, with other players who are set to depart United getting some minutes against Brentford.
According to ESPN, AC Milan and Juventus are leading the race to land Lingard on a free transfer in the summer, so there could be an opportunity to move to Italy.
Lingard knows a move to find more regular first team football will only help him force his way into the England squad ahead of the World Cup in Qatar later this year.
Many fans will suggest he could end up returning to West Ham after enjoying an impressive loan spell last term, but football agent and Caught Offside columnist Rob Segal claims the Hammers have moved on from trying to sign Lingard.
In a recent column, Segal said: “One player who is certain to leave though is midfielder Jesse Lingard. No surprises there, but he’s in limbo. Where will he go? West Ham doesn’t need him. They’ve moved on. The club won’t want to be lumbered with his wages, even if he is going to be available on a free transfer – they won’t spend what is required to bring him back to London.”
This could leave the door open for Newcastle United to make a move for Lingard if he really wants to stay in the Premier League.
Wherever he goes, will always be in the hearts of the West Ham supporters. He should have come back to us in Jan, but guess he wanted to give MU one last go… Would love to see him in the claret and blue (and back in the band) again – but wish him well whether that happens or not.
Not a chance we try sign him on high wages and TBH dont expect any of our fans to clap and cheer him like last time, Especially if he joins newcastle……