Tottenham Hotspur could make a late move for Jesse Lingard this transfer window...

What's the word?

That's according to journalist Pete O'Rourke, who revealed to GIVEMESPORT that the former Manchester United man had been on Spurs' radar for quite some time.

The 29-year-old midfielder departed his boyhood club after 21 years at the end of June and is now free to join whoever he wants.

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Lingard has been linked with a switch to Premier League rivals Everton and West Ham United, where he impressed on loan during the 2020/21 campaign, whilst a move to the MLS isn't yet off the cards.

“It’s an interesting link. I think he’s been on Tottenham’s radar for a while, maybe not the top of it," claimed O'Rourke.

“But he’s a free agent, Jesse Lingard, probably a player with a point to prove after the way it finished at Manchester United last season when he hardly ever played for them.”

Kill two birds with one stone

Whilst a swoop for Lingard may raise a few eyebrows with supporters around N17, it would actually be a very shrewd and much-needed signing for two big reasons.

The first is the club's need to add homegrown talent to meet the Premier League's registration rules and the second would be to add a creative option in midfield, something they have lacked for quite some time.

Lingard's time at Old Trafford ended on a very quiet note, having registered only 355 minutes of Premier League action during last season. However, arguably his best-ever form came at the London Stadium.

Under David Moyes again, he delivered nine goals and five assists from only 16 appearances.

Only two players that season were more creative than Lingard, though to his credit, they had played the entire duration of the campaign at the Hammers, whereas he did not.

Irons assistant Stuart Pearce once claimed the England international "could be a huge benefit to a lot of clubs in the Premier League" during in an interview with talkSPORT.

"He’s a special lad and was very good around the players, the players really like him. His ability shone out last year and gave us a great option in our squad," he added.

Valued at around £16.2m by Transfermarkt, signing Lingard on a free transfer would also be something of a bargain for sporting director Fabio Paratici.

On the above evidence, the Red Devils academy graduate could offer Spurs a lot with his versatility and experience in attack, so nobody should turn their nose up at potentially signing him.

Over the course of his United career, the Englishman delivered 35 goals and 21 assists, featuring in the Premier League, Champions League and Europa League.

Tottenham could kill two birds with one stone by signing Lingard this summer.

AND in other news, Fabrizio Romano reveals "full agreement" for £45m Spurs target, Paratici will be livid...