Report: Tottenham and West Ham battle to sign Manchester United player

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Tottenham and West Ham United have both registered an interest in signing Manchester United fringe player Jesse Lingard, according to ESPN.

The attacking midfielder hasn’t featured for United during the first half of the 2020/21 Premier League campaign.

Despite that, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is yet to make a definitive decision on what comes next for the England international.

Both Tottenham and West Ham bosses are familiar with Lingard and his quality.

Jose Mourinho and David Moyes worked with the 28-year-old during their time managing the Red Devils.

Moyes actually loaned the versatile performer to Birmingham and Brighton during his time at Old Trafford.

Spurs boss Mourinho saw Lingard as a first-team regular when he was at United.

He played 107 games under the Portuguese manager, scoring 20 goals and claiming 11 assists.

Lingard has made three appearances all season during 2020/21, all in either the Carabao Cup or the FA Cup.

Both London rivals are keen to bolster their ranks this season and Lingard could be an affordable option.

Lingard earns £75,000-a-week at Old Trafford and it seems unlikely that a big transfer fee will be demanded.

Sheffield United and Newcastle have also previously shown interest, with Nice, Marseille, Inter and Porto providing overseas interest.

TBR View: Who holds the edge in the race to sign Lingard?

You’d have to say probably Tottenham. If they are interested as the report suggests, Lingard would surely relish a reunion with Mourinho.

West Ham do have some available funds after selling Sebastien Haller, although Lingard might fancy a bigger club.

Tottenham are still battling it out in the Europa League and a move to North London would allow him to be involved.

The overseas interest could also interest Lingard.

Having grown up a Manchester United fan he might remain loyal and decide that another Premier League move isn’t for him.

Tottenham and West Ham will hope that isn’t the case.