West Ham United are still pursuing a move for Jesse Lingard, according to Fabrizio Romano...

What's the word?

The Italian transfer guru delivered a fresh update on the 28-year-old's situation after he returned to Manchester United for pre-season training this week.

Speaking on 'The United Stand', he said:

"Some clubs from other countries were asking about his situation a few days ago. The answer was West Ham or Manchester United.

"West Ham are still in the race. They’re still trying and pushing for Lingard and the player is waiting to see what happens; what will be the proposal.

"I don’t see Manchester United making any discounts for Jesse Lingard just because he’s out of contract in one year, so he’s either extending his contract or they’re selling him for the right price."

An encouraging sign?

A lot has been made about Lingard's future at Old Trafford in recent weeks.

Claret and Hugh claim that the attacking maestro has been given two weeks to decide whether he wants to remain a Red Devil or leave permanently after two decades at the club.

It's also thought that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is keen to keep him around, with other reports suggesting that United have even offered him a new three-year extension to his current deal.

However, you'd have to ponder just how plausible this is. He went out on loan in search of regular game time in January and that isn't going to change this summer - if anything, he'll find it harder to break into the side following the arrival of Jadon Sancho.

The Europa League runners-up are also wanting in the region of £30m but according to The Athletic, there are some at Old Trafford who think he should be moved on as it's the right time.

Either way, there's still a month to go until the start of the new season and a lot could happen. The fact that the Irons remain keen is a positive and it means they aren't out of the race to bring Lingard back just yet.

Hammers boss David Moyes is very keen to secure him permanently, as he revealed to reporters after their final day victory over Southampton.

"I hope Jesse’s here, we’d like to keep him, he’s done an exceptional job for us but there’s no guarantees, he’s not our player," he said via the Evening Standard. "But I hope Jesse realises we’ve been good for him as well, and that he joined a club on the up." Following nine goals and five assists, it's no surprise to see the Scotsman desperate to sign him. He even ended the campaign as their second-best player, as per WhoScored ratings, even though he only arrived halfway through the season. That's how big an impact he had in the Irons qualifying for the Europa League. Several concerns have started to mount from sections of the London Stadium faithful, with many doubting that a deal for the £13.5m-rated dynamo can be completed, so this new claim from Romano is rather encouraging news indeed and it's sure to have the Hammers supporters buzzing about the prospect of seeing Lingard in a West Ham shirt again.

AND in other news, ExWHUemployee drops exciting West Ham transfer claim...