Frank McAvennie has exclusively told Football FanCast that West Ham have every chance of signing Jesse Lingard on a permanent basis this summer.

Lingard joined the Hammers on loan in January, and has flourished since his arrival at the London Stadium, scoring six goals and adding four assists in just eight Premier League appearances.

His excellent form for West Ham led to a recall to the England squad earlier this month, and he made his first outing for the Three Lions for more than 12 months in the victory over San Marino last Thursday.

But Lingard's resurgence has led to claims that parent-club Manchester United are keen on making a complete U-turn and want to offer the attacker a new contract, with his current Old Trafford deal set to expire next summer.

Reports also suggest that the Hammers are desperate to tie Lingard down permanently once his loan runs out, and value him at around £15m-£20m.

And McAvennie doesn't see any reason as to why a "happy" Lingard would want an Old Trafford return, and believes that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side are trying to bump up his price.

He told Football FanCast:

"I don't know if Manchester United will want him, they've got Fernandes in there doing the same job. That's all talk to try and put the money up. Manchester United will be saying 'we want him back' and all that nonsense.

"The boy looks happy there, he's got a great understanding with Antonio, and he's got a great understanding with Rice and Soucek. West Ham are paying him good money now, so it's not about money. 

"I think he's loving it. He came in there nowhere near the Euros, and all of a sudden he's back in the England squad, and that's great respect to Southgate. I think he would want to stay at West Ham. He looks as if he's really enjoying it.

"But I think if it came down to a couple of clubs, West Ham would be in the running. I think they have got a good chance of signing him, that would be my priority."