Sky Sports reporter hints at West Ham move for £75k-p/w ace this summer after Jan "interest"

West Ham registered interest in Manchester United attacker Jesse Lingard last month over a potential summer move, says Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge.

A transfer in January was possible, as the window was open, but Bridge believes United’s reluctance to sell to a rival meant the Hammers could only ever really explore a summer deal for 29-year-old, whose alleged £75,000-a-week contract will be up by then.

Lingard has remained at Old Trafford after being denied a transfer in the last window. According to BBC Sport, United were willing to allow the attacking midfielder to leave, but they were against the idea of him joining a top-four rival in West Ham and wanted a hefty survival clause included in any potential deal with Newcastle United.

He has barely played this season, failing to make a single start in the Premier League, so it is no surprise that he wanted to depart Ralf Rangnick’s side.

However, with Anthony Martial joining Sevilla on loan and Mason Greenwood currently unavailable for selection, there could be some opportunities for Lingard in the coming weeks.

If not, the £18m-rated England international would probably have every right to be angry about the events of last month.

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Bridge has told GIVEMESPORT that West Ham and their London rivals Tottenham registered their interest in Lingard last month over a potential summer transfer.

Speaking to GMS, the Sky Sports journalist said: “There was interest from Tottenham and West Ham, but I think that was more for the summer because United would have never considered loaning him this January to either club.”

From United’s perspective, it is easy to see why they were reluctant to do business with