West Ham wait on Jesse Lingard after making contract offer

West Ham are waiting for Jesse Lingard to make a decision over his future after firming up their interest with a formal offer of a return to the club.

Lingard will become a free agent this week when his contract at Manchester United expires.

The England international enjoyed a superb loan spell at West Ham during the second half of the 2020/21 campaign, when he scored nine times in 16 appearances.

David Moyes has tried on several occasions since to bring the 29-year-old back to the London Stadium and the Hammers are hopeful that will now become a reality when Lingard decides upon his future having returned from his summer break.

The ball, however, is very much in the midfielder’s court and he is weighing up offers from a number of clubs.

West Ham, meanwhile, are set to confirm the signing of Alphonse Areola in the next 24 hours.

The Irons have agreed a £10.5million deal with PSG that will see the French goalkeeper join on a permanent basis following a fine loan spell in east London last term.

Moyes’ squad were today beginning their preseason camp at in St. Andrews in Scotland, though those players involved in international duty earlier this month - including the likes of Declan Rice, Jarrod Bowen and new signing Nayef Aguerd - will not return until the back end of next week.

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