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West Ham will make one more offer for Jesse Lingard this summer after learning Manchester United have reduced their demands for the attacking midfielder, according to reports.

Lingard enjoyed a fruitful loan spell with West Ham in the second half of last season, scoring nine goals. He has been a target for the club ever since as they aim to build upon last season’s sixth-place finish. His chances back with parent club Man Utd are still up for question.

The attacking midfielder scored one goal from three pre-season appearances. But he was absent for Man Utd’s season opener against Leeds after a recent positive test for Covid-19. Since then, West Ham first-team coach Stuart Pearce has confirmed the “open secret” that they still want to take him back to London.

Now, they have received fresh optimism in their hopes of that happening. According to the Daily Express, West Ham are preparing a second offer for Lingard’s services after having one rejected earlier in the window.

Man Utd have reportedly lowered their asking price for the 28-year-old, who is out of contract next year. Now, the Red Devils could seek somewhere in the region of £20m.

West Ham still have Lingard at the top of their transfer wish-list after what has been a somewhat disappointing window. So far, their only major pieces of business have been to turn Craig Dawson’s loan from Watford permanent and sign goalkeeper Alphonse Areola on loan from PSG.

With European football also on the horizon this season, they need to have depth in all areas. Getting back one of the key figures who helped them there would be a useful move.

Lingard’s chances at Man Utd seem limited while competing for a place with the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Paul Pogba and Donny van de Beek in attacking midfield. Were he to move out wide, he would be up against Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and more.

Therefore, although he boosted his chances with his West Ham form, it seems unlikely he will be a regular back at Old Trafford.

West Ham will now be hoping their latest offer for Lingard can be successful. Time is running out before the transfer deadline.

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Legends urge Lingard sale

Despite his resurgence, Man Utd were recently advised by two of their former players that selling Lingard would be the best option.

“People talk about recruitment at your football club, for Ole – and it’s the same for a lot of clubs – it’s about shifting people on as well,” Roy Keane said on Gary Neville’s YouTube show The Overlap.

“Because United have a lot, the Jesse Lingard’s and people like that in the background, you’re going to have to shift them on. They’re not the answer.”

“I don’t think Jesse Lingard’s going to get Manchester United back challenging for titles. I think he done well at West Ham and maybe that type of club is a good fit for him.

“But if you’re asking me do I think Jesse Lingard will get Man Utd back winning league titles, then the answer is no. And I’ll say the same for Fred and maybe (Scott) McTominay.”

“Jesse needs to leave for Jesse,” Neville agreed. “You know he got pride last year playing at West Ham.

“You know he’s the man there and come back here he’ll play 15 games; he’ll be a good squad player but he doesn’t want that again surely after what he experienced last season (with West Ham).

“Jesse needs to leave for Jesse Lingard.”

READ MORE: Man Utd quartet set for mega pay-rises as Solskjaer plays Pogba ace card

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