Lingard a January target for struggling Sheffield Utd
Jesse Lingard is on Sheffield United’s January wish list, with the Manchester United midfielder not featuring for the Red Devils in almost three months.
Manchester Evening News report Lingard could be on the move next month, with his only appearances this campaign coming in the Carabao Cup, and he has not started in the Premier League since January 1.
Meanwhile Chris Wilder is desperate for reinforcements at Bramall Lane, with the Blades propping up the bottom of the Premier League table, having picked up just one point so far this season.
No other top flight team in English football history have made a worse start than the one the Blades have made this campaign.
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The South Yorkshire side have scored just seven goals in thirteen league games, and are already NINE points away from safety.
Bringing in Lingard could provide the Blades with a much needed creative spark who can score and assist goals, to propel Chris Wilder’s side to safety.
A move away from Manchester though would force Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to change his transfer plans according to the Daily Star.
Both RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano and Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho have been touted as the Red Devils boss’ top targets.
Yet the report adds that Solskjaer could now target cover elsewhere with Lingard set to leave next month.
Lingard was linked with a move to Spurs in the summer, but ended up staying put in Manchester.
That could change in January though, as Lingard’s current contract runs out in the summer, with United keen to cash in on the playmaker before he can leave for free.
Another option is a loan deal to the Blades, with United triggering their option for a year extension on Lingard’s contract, and then cashing in on the playmaker in 2022.
A move for Lingard could also allow the 28-year-old to try and force himself back into the plans of England boss Gareth Southgate.
Lingard has not featured for the Three Lions since 2019 and will be eager to throw his name in the ring for a Euros call up next summer.