According to a fresh report from ESPN, Atletico Madrid and Roma are leading the chase for Manchester United's Jesse Lingard if he ends up leaving the club.

What's the word, then?

ESPN also note that Lingard would still like to stay at Old Trafford but he hasn't ruled out moving on if that helps him rediscover his best form somewhere else.

With 18 months left on his contract, and a one-year extension on the table as well, there have already been informal discussions over a new deal, but a possible departure is also on the cards.

Is life under the Glazers really that bad? Maybe this quiz will change your minds, Man United fans...

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants him around but with all the abuse from the fans aimed at him, particularly on social media as ESPN explain, United's scapegoat might be on his way out and looking for a fresh start.

But is he really someone Atletico Madrid truly need?

Verdict

Needless to say, with just two goals in a total of 32 games played throughout 2019/20, Lingard is nowhere near his best form and for that reason, constant criticism from the fans has become a regular occurrence.

As a whole, the 27-year-old has played 199 games for the Red Devils, tallying 31 goals and 19 assists in the process. So he still has goals in him but needs to rediscover his best form.

But can Simeone really take that gamble when he desperately needs a prolific goalscorer? Atletico Madrid have only scored 22 goals in 22 games so far in La Liga and are in dire need of a clinical finisher.

On current form, Lingard is far away from a solution to that problem and the Rojiblancos should tread carefully.

Elsewhere, Manchester United could face some tough competition from Real Madrid for a huge transfer target...