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Joe Cole has claimed he hopes Jesse Lingard stays at West Ham long-term after having such a big impact at the London Stadium in the past few months.

Lingard, 28, joined West Ham midway through this season on loan from Manchester United until the end of the campaign.

The attacker started with a bang by scoring two goals on his debut against Aston Villa, and hasn’t looked back since.

He’s now arguably in the form of his career in front of goal, scoring eight goals in just nine appearances for the Irons.

As well as the individual reward of being recalled to the England set-up, he’s also playing a major role in a West Ham bid to finish in the Champions League positions this season.

David Moyes’ side now have seven league matches remaining to stay fourth in the table.

Cole has suggested that Lingard has found the perfect fit with the Hammers, so should be looking to return to the London club after his loan deal expires.

“I Love Jesse Lingard,” Cole told talkSPORT (9:28am, 16 April).

“There is still improvement in Jesse’s game. I think these next four or five years will be the best of his career. If you’re at a club, and you feel loved, and you’re playing, just stay.

“The fans are going to love it coming back in watching Jesse. He’s a West Ham player. I’m so happy for him. I just hope he doesn’t get tempted to go too a bigger club because he’s found the platform for himself now.”

TBR’s View:

A few months ago Lingard was wasting away on the Man United bench, but his career has taken off again since his move to West Ham to have everyone talking about him.

The versatile attacker, who can also drop into midfield positions, is showing the kind of form that once made him a starter for the England national team.