Man Utd’s Jesse Lingard ogled by Barcelona and AC Milan
Jesse Lingard is wanted by Barcelona and AC Milan as he nears the end of his contract at Manchester United, sources have told ESPN.
Lingard has entered the final year of his contract at Old Trafford and will be able to negotiate with clubs outside England from January 1 ahead of a possible free transfer next summer.
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Barcelona and Milan are among a host of clubs monitoring the situation and Lingard is set to move to Spain or Italy as he prepares for the next step in his career.
The possibility of signing an experienced England international on a free transfer at a time when finances have been tight due to the coronavirus pandemic has made Lingard an attractive prospect for a number of top European clubs.
Lingard has already rejected a contract offer from United over fears that he will not have enough opportunities to keep his place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad as the 2022 World Cup approaches. United are yet to return with a new proposal.
The promise of regular first-team football will play a major role in any decision Lingard makes regarding his future with the 28-year-old determined to be part of the England squad in Qatar. He was named to Southgate’s last squad and played 73 minutes in the 5-0 win over Andorra on Saturday.
Lingard has scored two Premier League goals this season – including the spectacular late winner at West Ham United in September – although he was limited to just 45 minutes of football in three appearances as a substitute. He also came off the bench to set up Cristiano Ronaldo’s essential goal to secure a 2-1 victory over Villarreal in the Champions League.
His good form continued after a runaway loan spell at West Ham last season where he scored nine goals in 16 games and was named Premier League Player of the Month for April.
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