West Ham's chances of bringing Jesse Lingard back to the London Stadium appear to be diminishing with each passing day...
What's the word?
According to the ever-reliable ExWHUemployee, there are several factors going against the Irons and their attempts to secure the 28-year-old playmaker on a permanent basis.
Speaking on his 'The West Ham Way' podcast this week, the anonymous source dropped a big claim, saying things aren't looking as promising on that front as they did at the end of June:
"We are after Lingard for midfield, although things don’t seem as promising as they did a couple of weeks ago.
"I think it’s going to be interesting what the manager says to Lingard because the way he’d be looking at it is that [Jadon] Sancho is more of a winger whereas Lingard’s more of an attacking midfielder.
"I think Sancho going to them is helpful for us. But it’s just whether Lingard is prepared to give up the ghost and come to West Ham or whether he’s going to fight for his place. And also how realistic Manchester United are going to be for a transfer.
"We’re obviously desperate to sign Lingard but there’s a couple of factors counting against that move a little bit."
Bad news?
Indeed, many in East London are clearly eager to see Lingard in the claret and blue next season after he provided nine goals and five assists following his arrival on loan in January.
Speaking after their final game of the season - a win over Southampton that secured their place in Europe - Hammers boss David Moyes made his intentions very clear. He told reporters, via the Evening Standard:
AND in other news, Moyes could secure West Ham their perfect Noble successor in 34-cap "special talent"...