Steven Gerrard expressed fear for Rangers target’s Manchester United future in 2017

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A surprise report from TEAMtalk claimed at the weekend that Rangers are interested in bringing Jesse Lingard to Ibrox on loan during the January transfer window.

It would be no surprise to see Lingard on the move next month. The 27-year-old has barely featured during the first-half of the season.

And it was suggested that the Gers were amongst those monitoring the attacking midfielder’s situation.

Interestingly, it appears that Steven Gerrard may not be surprised to see Lingard’s Manchester United future in some doubt. And that is because the current Rangers boss issued something of a warning to the England international back in 2017.

Gerrard told BT Sport that Lingard needed to show more to prove himself at Old Trafford.

“I’m not sure these players we’re talking about in the wide areas, the likes of Lingard and Martial, I’m not sure they’ve hit those heights yet to be really described as a Manchester United player,” he told BT Sport.

“I think it’s big season for them. I think if those individuals don’t find consistency over the next 12 months, I don’t think they’ll be at Manchester United very long.”

TBR View: Lingard briefly silenced doubters, but Gerrard has been proven right

Of course, those comments came at the start of a campaign in which Lingard would score eight Premier League goals and contribute five assists. And within a year, he would go on to play an important role in England’s run to the World Cup semi-final.

But ultimately, Gerrard was right. Lingard – who earns £75,000-a-week, according to Spotrac – has not been consistent for a long period. He has scored five league goals across the last two seasons.

It has reached the stage where his next move could be vital for his career. He is approaching what should be his peak years.

So, having identified a problem three years ago that Lingard has arguably not addressed, it will be interesting to see whether Gerrard is now prepared to offer him a fresh challenge.