Aston Villa are ready to battle West Ham for the signing of Manchester United Jesse Lingard this summer.
What's the story?
The England international has been in scintillating form since joining the Hammers on loan back in the January transfer window, netting an incredible nine goals and providing a further four assists in just 10 Premier League games.
Now, Football Insider claim that "Villa will join the race for Jesse Lingard if given encouragement Man United are open to selling him when his sensational West Ham loan ends".
The report adds that "he is highly regarded by the club’s coaches and seen as a “Villa-type player” who could make a big impact in Dean Smith’s side."
Dean Smith would love him
Lingard's form has been so good that Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville has even suggested that United may want him back at Old Trafford once the season ends, saying: "He does an incredible amount of running. It's what he does. He's good out of possession and good in possession."
The £75k-a-week earning midfielder is that rare breed of player who arguably does his best work off the ball, and it's something Michael Carrick picked up on when Lingard was shining at United.