'Tottenham will be in for him' - Fabrizio Romano drops exciting summer claim

Lingard was one of the more prominently featured names during the January transfer window. Following his recent lack of appearances this season, it was expected that he would look for a new club in some fashion during the winter window.

Clubs like Newcastle United and West Ham United were showing an interest in his signature, but no deal came to pass, and he will now stay at Manchester United until the end of his contract.

Speaking on the latest edition of Rio Ferdinand presents FIVE, Romano discussed what was next for the 29-year-old, claiming that he will be leaving in the summer and assessing his options, while Spurs, who have reportedly made their interest in Lingard very clear, might expect some competition for his services when that time comes around.

Romano said: “He’s going to leave as a free agent and I think that West Ham will come back for him, that Tottenham will be in for him in the summer. So a lot of opportunities, he will take his time. But Lingard will leave as a free agent.”

This is certainly going to be an interesting one to watch, because if indeed it will be a battle between Tottenham and West Ham, then a large part of the debate could be sorted out before the summer window even opens.

Both clubs are right in the thick of the battle for a place in the top four, and if only one of them are able to make it, you would imagine that might give them the upper hand when it comes to negotiating a deal.

So these next few months are going to be critical for Tottenham for a whole host of reasons, not least because it could have a big impact on what competition they play in next season, but also the players that they can attract – with Lingard just one example of someone who Spurs may miss out on if they don’t