Everton have been handed a potentially significant boost in their pursuit of Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard.

What's the story?

The Toffees have been linked with a move for the versatile 28-year-old in recent weeks as new manager Rafa Benitez looks to replace the departed James Rodriguez during the January transfer window.

According to Football Insider, Everton have now moved to the front of the queue for Lingard's signature, with several Premier League clubs interested in his services but the Toffees holding one 'significant advantage'.

The report states: "Everton lead the race to sign Jesse Lingard in January – if Man United agree to let him go, Football Insider has learned...

"A recruitment source has told Football Insider that Everton, West Ham and newly-rich Newcastle are among the clubs keeping close tabs on Lingard going into January. But the Merseysiders have a significant advantage as Lingard would prefer to remain in the north-west."

The England international has reportedly already turned down the offer of a new contract at Old Trafford due to concerns over his playing time, and with his current deal expiring next summer, an imminent exit could be on the cards.

Everton fans will be buzzing

Lingard has scored 35 goals and provided 21 assists in 217 appearances for the Red Devils after rising through the ranks at his boyhood club, winning the FA Cup, Europa League and League Cup along the way.

He has often popped up with big goals in crucial games for the 20-time English champions down the years, and his unique set of attributes have earned several plaudits, including from Michael Carrick.

“I think his movement is excellent,” Carrick told the club’s official website back in 2015. “It’s something that sounds quite simple, but it’s difficult to defend against.

“He senses where the space is and how to use it. I wouldn’t necessarily say he’s a dribbler with skills and tricks but he’s dynamic. How he plays, he is unique in some ways. You don’t see so much of that now as everyone wants to get on the ball. Off the ball, he’s very effective."

However, Lingard struggled to get back to his best for United following the 2018 World Cup and was sent on a short-term loan move to West Ham back in January.

The six-month spell in east London reinvigorated the £75,000-per-week dynamo’s career, and in just 16 Premier League appearances for the Hammers, he bagged nine goals and provided a further five assists, playing a pivotal part as David Moyes’ charges finished in an incredible sixth position.

Unfortunately for Lingard, his eye-catching form for the Irons has not translated into first team opportunities back at Old Trafford, and it seems that a permanent exit is inevitable.

Goodison Park appears to be an ideal destination. The departure of Rodriguez has left Benitez without a natural creative midfielder who can also score goals on a regular basis, both of which are attributes where Lingard excels.

Therefore, Everton supporters will surely be buzzing at the prospect of Lingard joining Benitez's charges over the winter window, adding extra firepower in the final third of the pitch.

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