West Ham make first contact with Jesse Lingard over out-of-contract man’s summer move from Manchester United

West Ham have made initial contact with representatives for Jesse Lingard over a summer move.

The Manchester United man looks set to make a move this summer as he nears the end of his contract at Old Trafford.

With no contract offer on the table, it looks like Lingard is gearing up for some new pastures at the start of the new season.

The Hammers are exploring options to strengthen their squad after a season of real progress at the London Stadium.

David Moyes’ side secured seventh place in the Premier League, while also reaching the semi-finals of the Europa League.

At Lingard, Moyes would sign a player he knows well.

As well as crossing paths during their time together at United, Lingard shone during a loan spell in east London during the 2020/21 campaign.

In 16 appearances for the Hammers, Lingard scored nine goals and provided six assists for his teammates as he established himself as a true fan favorite at the club.

Many expected Lingard to move on after his impressive spell with West Ham, including Charlie Austin who believes the 29-year-old should have moved on when his stock was high.

He told talkSPORT Drive: “With Jesse Lingard staying at Man United the following year, I think he took a couple of steps back, really.

“His stock was so high at West Ham, every week goals or assists. He went there and really changed their season, his stock was so high.

“Then he wants to go back to Manchester United and fight for his place and unfortunately he just didn’t make it, and this year it didn’t work out and now you’re looking at him, what are the possibilities for Jesse? Lingard now?”

Austin added: “Now it’s time for him to take a clean break and I just felt that last year at West Ham was the time for him to go.

“You should say West Ham [as a destination], you should put Newcastle in the mix. Each player in the top six who is no longer wanted by his club, the name of Newcastle will appear.