Manchester United outcast Jesse Lingard is set to leave Old Trafford at the end of the season on a free transfer, and his name has rung bells across Italy due to his availability.
Reports from England link the Red Devils youth product with top Azzurri clubs as he struggles to find a footing at his boyhood club.
According to reports from UK outlet Daily Mirror, three Italian giants – Juventus, Milan and Roma – are keen on bolstering their attack with the presence of the Englishman. Having come very close to leaving Manchester on several occasions during previous transfer windows, it final looks like the 29-year-old could play permanently elsewhere.
Man Utd outcast Lingard is a transfer target for European and PL giants https://t.co/4i1pm3l3TM
— Sun Sport (@SunSport) April 10, 2022
Of all the Italian teams interested, the Giallorossi look likely contenders to bag his signature as the media hype pits the England international with a reunion with former manager Jose Mourinho. The duo experienced a fruitful relationship during their time together at Old Trafford. Moreover, the prospect of linking up with fellow national Tammy Abraham is a mouthwatering prospect for Lingard.
Nevertheless, he is also being followed closely by two Premier League outfits in West Ham United and Newcastle United. Lingard shone in 2020/21 with by moving to West Ham for a half-season loan where he shone match upon match with remarkable performances, scoring nine goals and assisting five in 16 games for the Hammers. However, his return to United this season hasn’t been all glory as expected.
Italy has been the sprouting ground for numerous English players in recent times to revive and blossom their careers – from Tammy Abraham and Chris Smalling to Fikayo Tomori.
With the 2022 FIFA World Cup fast approaching, Lingard is far off from Gareth Southgate’s pecking order and a move to Italy might propel him to make the country’s ranks for the showdown event.