West Ham remains in talks with Manchester United over a deal for Jesse Lingard after freeing up a loan spot for the midfielder by bringing forward the permanent transfer of Saïd Benrahma.
Lingard has fallen out of favor at Old Trafford and West Ham are keen to sign the 28-year-old until the end of the season.
The transfer is likely to hinge on whether they can agree on a loan fee, with the clubs still apart in their valuation.
David Moyes managed Lingard at United and believes the England international can improve his squad.
Lingard has made three appearances this season and needs a move to revive his career. Newcastle, West Brom, and Sheffield United have also shown interest.
West Ham, fourth in the Premier League, have paved the way for Lingard to arrive by converting Benrahma’s loan.
Premier League clubs are allowed two domestic loans at any time. Moyes had borrowed Craig Dawson from Watford and Benrahma from Brentford.
West Ham paid a £5m loan fee to sign Benrahma last October and was due to sign the Algerian for £20m plus £5m in add-ons at the end of the season. That deal has been brought forward.
Moyes will not stop his search for a striker if he signs Lingard.
West Ham needs cover for Michail Antonio after selling Sébastien Haller to Ajax.
They are considering a loan for RB Leipzig’s Hwang Hee-chan.
Source: The Guardian