Everton plotting no-brainer move for “unique” £80k-p/w machine, Lampard would love him - opinion

Everton have been linked with a move for former Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard.

According to a recent report from the Daily Mail, the Toffees have joined the race to sign the Englishman after West Ham United’s reported offer fell below what the player is seeking.

After scoring 35 goals and delivering 21 assists in 231 senior appearances for the Red Devils, the midfielder left the club following the expiration of his contract.

Lingard spent the second half of the 2020/21 season on loan at West Ham, where he showed just what he’s capable of when given the chance to play regularly. In his 16 appearances for the Hammers, the 29-year-old ended up scoring nine goals and providing five assists before returning to Old Trafford.

To further highlight how impressive he was for the east London club during that period, Lingard had 40 shots at goal, 20 of which were on target, and also had a higher rate of shots on target per 90 minutes (1.27) than any other player in David Moyes’ squad.

He also made seven interceptions and won 10 tackles, showing just how useful the £80k-per-week midfielder can be with and without the ball.

This shows why the Hammers have been looking to sign him again this time around, and presumably why Everton have joined the race as well.

Labelled a “unique” player by former Red Devils player and coach Michael Carrick, Lingard would undeniably be a useful asset for the Toffees given his attacking capabilities and presumed eagerness to start playing regular football in the Premier League again, especially with the World Cup on the horizon.

Even though the Merseyside club have pocketed £60m from selling Richarlison to Tottenham Hotspur, securing the former United midfielder on a free transfer this