Despite late transfer interest from Wolves, Jesse Lingard is scheduled to play for West Ham in a behind-closed-doors friendly over the international break.
After being released by Nottingham Forest, the former England international has been training with the Hammers all summer in an attempt to stay fit and maybe earn a short-term deal.
Sky Sports journalist Pete Graves writes on his personal Twitter account (6 September) that the attacking midfielder is now likely to feature in a behind-closed-doors friendly during the international break, despite Wolves’ interest in signing him.
“Wolves and West Ham United remain the most likely destinations for free agent Jesse Lingard,” he wrote.
“Lingard has been training with West Ham and is set to play in a private friendly.”
“However, Wolves have arrived late with an interest in bolstering their squad.”
When you consider that Lingard turned us down for a more lucrative deal at Forest last summer, it’s easy to see why some fans aren’t thrilled to see him join us.
But it’s also easy to forget how terrific he was for us on loan, and how hard he tried to join us the following summer only to have UnManchester ited block it and keep him on their bench.
Our attacking options are great right now, and we have decent depth, but you can never have too little quality in the squad, and with reports that he wants to mend fences with the supporters, this would be a good way to do it.
The behind-closed-doors game will provide other members of our team with crucial minutes and sharpness during the international break, while also providing the club and management with an opportunity to truly look at him and assess how he will fit in.
If Lingard instead chooses Wolves or Saudi Arabia, it will be his loss and his last chance to make amends, but we are not in a position where it would be a significant loss.
