The Hammers midfielder is eager to see a fellow England international remain in east London beyond the end of the 2020-21 campaign
Declan Rice has aired his desire for West Ham to thrash out a deal with Manchester United that will allow “ridiculously top player” Jesse Lingard to remain at the London Stadium beyond the end of an initial loan agreement.
Lingard has been reborn since swapping a testing battle for minutes at Old Trafford for regular game time under David Moyes.
The talented 28-year-old midfielder has rediscovered his spark, having faced questions of his value with the Red Devils, and Rice would like to see a deal done for his fellow England international that benefits all parties.
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What has been said?
Quizzed on Lingard by talkSPORT, RIce said: “Jesse is a top player. I knew this from when I played with him for England. He’s a ridiculously top, top player.
“You know when you’re playing with a top player, he takes the ball on the half-turn, takes the ball in tight areas, relieves the pressure on you.
“When you give him the ball you know he’s going to do something with it, and obviously what comes with that is he’s got a great personality as well.
“All the lads have really taken to him and I’m so happy we’ve got him here now at West Ham. Hopefully we can do that for much longer for next season as well!”
How has Lingard fared at West Ham?
West Ham moved to put a deal in place for the Manchester United outcast during the winter transfer window.
Lingard had taken in just three domestic cup appearances this season before making his way to the capital.
Moyes has been prepared to hand him a prominent role within his plans, with four Premier League outings taken in so far.
Two goals were netted on his Hammers debut against Aston Villa, while a match-winning effort was struck with VAR assistance in a 2-1 win over Tottenham last time out.
Lingard has helped West Ham to take 10 points from the last 12 on offer, with that healthy return seeing them into fourth spot in the table.
His loan deal does not include a permanent transfer trigger for the next window, but the option is there for Moyes to open discussions with his former club regarding a full-time switch.
Further reading
- I didn’t get my chance at Manchester United – Lingard
- Moyes breaks Mourinho curse as West Ham beat Tottenham
- Premier League top scorers 2020-21
