One of the long-running transfer sagas of the summer so far appears to be nearing a resolution, amid reports that West Ham United are growing in confidence regarding a deal to sign free agent, Jesse Lingard.

What's the word?

According to the Evening Standard, the Hammers are said to have 'increased optimism' that the 29-year-old will make a return to the London Stadium, with manager David Moyes said to be 'desperate' to secure his services, following his recent departure from Manchester United.

The report suggests that the England international is set to make a decision regarding his future this week, as he weighs up offers from abroad, including from MLS clubs, and also within the Premier League, notably the east London outfit and Newcastle United - whom he came close to joining in January.

The piece goes on to outline that the Irons believe themselves to be in 'pole position' as they move ever closer to getting a deal done, albeit with the 32-cap gem said to be 'seriously considering' a reported £10m-per-year offer from Saudi Arabia.

Imagine him and Broja

Although there may still be a hurdle or two to overcome, it would appear that Lingard is edging closer to a reunion with Moyes, with it looking as if the Warrington-born playmaker is set to be the club's fourth summer signing - with a deal for Lille's Amadou Onana also in the works, as per the report.

Landing the £80k-per-week menace would be a notable coup for GSB such was his impact during his previous, six-month loan spell at the club, with the versatile midfielder registering nine goals and five assists in just 16 top-flight appearances.

A return to Old Trafford last summer off the back of that stunning revival ultimately backfired as he was restricted to just two league starts all season for his boyhood club, with the player perhaps ruing not making a permanent move to West Ham instead 12 months ago.

Despite the backwards step he has taken this past year, the £16.2m-rated man clearly possesses the quality to make the difference in the top tier, with Moyes no doubt keen to help him recapture his previous, electric form.

Not only that, however, but the former Everton boss will also want to combine his creative talents with that of another potential incoming in the form of Armando Broja, with the Chelsea youngster believed to be edging closer to a permanent switch.

The dynamic, imposing forward netted nine goals in all competitions while on loan at Southampton last term, notably scoring a stunning solo goal in an FA Cup victory over Moyes' men back in March to clinch a 3-1 victory at St Mary's.

Lingard too also netted a spectacular effort of his own against the Hammers in what was a rare high point in a largely dismal 2021/22 campaign on a personal note, the 5 foot 9 speedster curling in a superb, late winner for the Red Devils in a 2-1 win for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side.

Those two moments of quality from the potential new arrivals illustrate just why the club have been so keen to land them this summer, with the hope being that they can replicate such magic in a claret and blue jersey next term, in what would be a fairly lethal attacking partnership.

AND in other news, Contact made: Moyes can unearth a new sensation as West Ham move for “complete” £39m target