David Moyes has been dealt a huge blow in regards to West Ham United’s hopes of retaining Jesse Lingard, with Manchester United ready to take the midfielder back this summer.

What's the word?

While speaking with Give Me Sport, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Red Devils have been pleased with Lingard’s form at West Ham and that they are ready to offer him another shot next season.

Lingard has been a sensation since arriving at the London Stadium on loan in the winter market, with the England international involved in eight goals in seven Premier League games.

Only three players in Tomas Soucek (9), Michail Antonio (7) and Jarrod Bowen (6) have scored more often than Lingard (5) for the Irons in the top-flight all term, while only Aaron Cresswell (7), Antonio (5) and Said Benrahma (4) boast more assists (3).

Manchester United denied West Ham a £15m option to purchase the £100,000-per-week playmaker when negotiating his loan arrival, feeling he could fetch upwards of £20m in the summer.

And Romano believes the Red Devils are now in a win/win situation, as Lingard has proven he can make a difference at Old Trafford next season or help Solskjaer raise more funds.

“At the moment, Manchester United are saying 'the player is coming back, we are happy for Jesse to perform like this, and we are willing to keep Jesse next season' so, Manchester United are in a win/win situation.

“I think they can have him stay after this fantastic six-months with West Ham or they could sell the player, to make money and make profit and sign new players. So, at the moment, they are really happy with Lingard and with his performances.

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“It won't be easy for West Ham to negotiate with Manchester United because now the price is totally different. But, also in this case, I think for West Ham, it would depend on what happens with any Europe situation, you know, to see if there will be a European campaign next season, so (they want to) understand what's going on, and then they will decide about a striker, Lingard and more.

"So, at the moment, they are really happy with him, but they know that Manchester United are ready for the player back and that's why it won't be an easy negotiation this summer.”

A blow for West Ham and Moyes

Romano claiming that Man United are willing to take Lingard back at the end of the season, or use his impressive form in claret and blue to drive up their asking price, will come as a huge blow for Moyes and West Ham.

The Irons boss confirmed recently that he is hopeful of Lingard considering a long-term future at the London Stadium, as he looks to continue adding a higher calibre of player to his dressing room.

Hammers insider Claret & Hugh also note that Moyes has marked Lingard as his top transfer target for the off-season ‘by some distance’, and that West Ham are in discussions about striking a deal as soon as possible.

West Ham may need to act quick and put their money where their mouth is if they are to land Moyes his top target, as an end-of-season run from Lingard like his first months at the club – which have impressed Rio Ferdinand - would surely play into Man United’s favour.

“He could play in any top team because he’s an intelligent footballer. He can play off one-touch or two-touch," Ferdinand said on his Vibe with FIVE podcast. “If you’re looking at him as just a cold footballer, anyone who knows football surely has to see the kid has a talent. Since he's gone in there, what he's done is amazing.”

Click here to see the full interview with Fabrizio Romano.

AND in other news, West Ham eye 10-goal livewire who destroyed David Moyes’ side last year…