Reliable journalist claims Bilic plotting swoop for PL attacker as manager plans clear-out
Chief Football Writer of the Independent Miguel Delaney has claimed that West Brom are “understood to be interested” in Man United winger Jesse Lingard.
The report states that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is expected to have a clear-out of his squad, with Lingard expected to be surplus to requirements.
The 27-year-old has one year left on his contract and this would be the last window that Man United would be able to get a decent fee for him.
West Ham and Everton are also said to be interested in a player who reportedly wants to stay at Old Trafford.
Lingard – a wage slip too far?
West Brom fans are likely to be split by this news.
On the one hand, getting linked to players of this calibre is exciting – Lingard has 24 caps for England and has been at Man United his whole career.
However, that career has definitely hit the skids.
In 203 games for United, he’s scored 31 goals and added 20 assists.
However, in 20 appearances this season he’s provided zero attacking returns and he’s had nine starts. His best season in red was the 17/18 season when he scored eight goals and added six assists in 33 games.
That will lead to some Baggies fans saying he’s not worth the money. And he would cost a lot of money. He’s reportedly on £75k-a-week at Old Trafford.
However, he’s got experience at the very highest level in the Premier League, the Champions League and on the international stage.
We don’t think that West Brom would pay the amount of wages that Lingard would demand, so this could all be a moot point. But, there’s no doubt he’d be a good addition to the squad.
However, when you look at Matheus Pereira, it’s fair to say that there are better players out there available for less money.
In other West Brom news, Slaven Bilic has shared his verdict on Chris Brunt and his cameo performance against Hull
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